May 1993
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For the past several weeks I have been preaching through the book of Nehemiah during the Sunday morning service. As most of you are aware, the story line revolves around one man's leadership in getting the children of Israel to rebuild the walls of
Jerusalem. As we have studied this book, several truths
have jumped out-at me. Please allow me to share them
with you.
First of all, it is plain to see that the walls are down in our society. The slaughter of innocent babies, the "gay rights" movement, radical feminism, "animal rights", pornography, violence, AIDS, and teenage fornication are all around us. Yet this is simply the visible tip of the iceberg. Families are in turmoil through divorce, unfaithfulness, and abuse. Children from these homes find their comfort either in the increasingly anti-social glare of the unregulated television set, or in the welcoming arms of their equally anti-social peers. Substance abuse is found in the boardroom, the locker room, and the schoolroom. When nothing will satisfy, the only path left is suicide. Recent statistics state the following facts:
- Each year 6000 young people commit suicide.
- Each year 2 million young people attempt suicide.
- 75% of young people have considered suicide.
In short, the walls of morality and virtue which protected this society have crumbled. There is nothing standing which will keep evil out, and set up a standard of excellence for those within.
God has a remedy for a sin-sickened people. In Chronicles 7:14, God states, "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." The responsibility is placed at the feet of God's people: those who are called Christians. We must begin, as did Nehemiah, to fast and pray, and beg God to allow the walls to be rebuilt. We read that Nehemiah wept over the condition of Jerusalem, and that his mourning and fasting and praying went on continually for a period of four months. And while he prayed, he repented for his own sins, and asked God to use him in the rebuilding of the walls. In like manner we should confess our own failings before a Holy God, and then be willing to ask Him to use us to make a difference in someone else's life. May we echo with Isaiah, "Here am I Lord, send me!" God promised Solomon in II Chronicles that He would hear, forgive, and heal the nation. May God do the same for us as we are faithful to bring the needs of our fallen society to Him.
Your Pastor
Mark Montgomery
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