The Evil Within
God called upon a layman to “Build That Wall” around Jerusalem in 444 B.C. Nehemiah had no former political position, nor was he among the spiritually elite. He held a comfortable prestigious position in the royal palace of the Persian King Artaxerxes. Yet, God called him out, to leave his comfort behind and to go to build the wall for his people. He met with great opposition, political corruption, and threats; yet, he stands out as a great leader. This is an in-depth study of Nehemiah, followed by an apologetic argument discussing "the Evil within Our own nation", how we let it in and what we must do now as Christians.
History has a way of repeating itself; particularly, when we allow ourselves to forget the truths we should have learned along the way. Such was the case with the nation of Israel, who repeatedly forgot the grace and mercy God showered upon them when they sought Him and the chastisement whenever they turned away. Instead of remembering God’s Grace as the source of their prosperity; they would become so content with the blessings of prosperity that they would forget the very God who had provided the prosperity. In other words, they would begin to worship the gifts rather than the Giver of the gifts.
READ MORETherefore, periods of prosperity led them into gleeful forgetfulness. Once more, they would begin to forsake the laws God had given them to keep them safe. Instead, their eyes, then their hearts; would turn to self-gratification with a sense of invincibility. Thereby, forsaking the truth; they enthusiastically allowed others into their fold who did not share their ideals. Instead of these immigrants adopting the faith of Israel; the nation allowed the mingling of ideologies. Ultimately, the nation began to worship idols; forsaking their own faith. This did not happen once or twice; but, repetitively. Over and over again, this was the story of their history. They cried to God. He in mercy saved them and gave them prosperity and refuge again. They forsook God; and trials came, God would warn them of impending judgement. The people ignored Him, judgement came. Then, they cried for help and God saved them.
Were it not for Grace and God’s abiding faithfulness to His covenant; all would have been utterly lost. Yet, God’s gracious hand would reach out to save the nation for the few, the remnant of faithful would be brought forth once more into a place of freedom. Securely protected by God’s promise to save all those who would seek Him, He would reach forth to restore His people. These were the chosen race from whom the Messiah would be born. The Birth, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ would come through the lineage of Abraham and King David; as God had promised.
Yet, for the protection of those faithful followers; there were moments when the entire nation faced judgment. For were God to have allowed the evil ideologies to abide; all would have been lost. Evil ideologies always grow like a cancer that invades every aspect until all of truth and righteousness die. The battle against such evil ideologies has been raging since Adam chose to willingly disobey God; because, he desired to be god of his own destiny. All too often, the same choice you or I wish to make. The choice that nations tend to make as well; turning their back on the only true hope of peace, joy, and truth which is found only in a relationship with God.
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