02/06/2022 - ESCAPED FROM CAPTIVITY

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That Hanani one of my brethren came with men from Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews who had escaped, who had survived the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem.  Nehemiah 1:2

The Most High has His way of working in our hearts. Seeing his brother arrive from Judah, Nehemiah was interested to know how things were over there. But the news filled him with sadness and made him seek the Lord. There is no magic; God’s people will only take their place in the context of the nations if the leader has good character and his ministers are decent and sober people (1 Timothy 3:1-7).

We do not know how long Nehemiah prayed on behalf of his people – the others who remained in Israel, who, by the way, were simple people who showed no desire to improve their lives. We are looked at by many talent scouts, and when we are guided by good manners, we are soon seen by them. In God’s work, something similar happens, so we must present ourselves approved (2 Timothy 2:15).

The victorious kings always look for the best citizens of the defeated country, because their glory is to take these “geniuses”. Certainly, they will contribute to the growth of their nation, and others will be left to their own fate. In life, if we have something to offer, invitations come and we are recognized; but if there is nothing in us, no one will look at us. Jesus operates differently from the world – He told us to fill the kingdom with the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind (Luke 14:21).

Businessmen act likewise with those approved to work with them. Even those who examine them and apply the psychotechnical test make an effort to choose well the person who will occupy the position. One of the criteria is to be honest, have a good reputation and wish to progress professionally. Anyone who doesn’t show an interest in growing will never be approved. Do the task assigned to you wholeheartedly, and then you will be recognized!

Now, no businessman will invest in those who live in bad company, drinking and doing things that show their complacency in the face of life, nor in those who identify themselves as naughty in the way they walk and talk. We must make others see that, whatever our mission, we will carry it out in the best way (Ephesians 6:5-8). The account heard by Nehemiah shocked him, so the solution was to get direction from Heaven to act correctly. Be vigilant!

As children of God, we should care for our clothes, for example. Even if they are of little value, because we cannot afford anything better, they should be clean and presentable. It is important to take care of the appearance of our clothing, because as Christians we are observed by everyone. Many guys don’t get the person they would like to date, because she doesn’t see anything special in them, and vice versa. Those who don’t take care of themselves stay alone. Think about it!

Nehemiah wanted to know about those who escaped from captivity and returned, as well as those who were left behind in Israel, but he was devastated by the bad news. He needed to know everything in order to pray to God and ask for His help. In general, the people are not to blame for the wickedness of the rulers. However, in this case, everyone had sinned. Cry out to the Lord!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares