Do you think about what legacy or impact you are going to leave with people? Maybe it's because I'm getting older, maybe because we have been reading about these patriarchs of the Bible, maybe because my husband and I are raising our son... but I have been thinking more and more about this lately. Leaving a legacy can mean so many different things - positive, negative, and everywhere in between. In terms of leaving a spiritual legacy, this can be a life changing, eternal impact on someone's life. What a huge responsibility and privilege we have!Nehemiah's prayer was to "Remember me for this.... Remember me with favor." What a wonderful example for us of a sincere, humble, heart-felt prayer! Nehemiah left a legacy for the Israelites and for us today. He believed he was doing the right things and was praying that his actions would be glorifying to God. Nehemiah was an honorable man who had credibility with those around him, who sought God, obeyed God, and held others accountable to do the same.
Nehemiah's leadership clearly impacted the lives of the Israelites at that time and for MANY years to come. Proof is evident today as we are studying his life and learning from him. Nehemiah spent countless hours and days leading others to rebuild the wall and orchestrate a dedication ceremony so the Israelites could honor God and celebrate. He then left for a period of time and returned to his cup-bearer job with King Artaxerxes. However, his heart was not far from Jerusalem. He later returned to Jerusalem to straighten out some things. He rebuked the officials for poor behavior and bad decisions and again worked to restore the house of God.
As I was reading these chapters, I was struck at how many of the historical "practices" we still have today:
- Documentation of family history and lineage
- Dedication ceremonies for new buildings
- Responsive reading in worship (I'm reminded of my Methodist heritage)
- Worship services with specific order and structure
- Management and responsibility for resources of the house of God
- Leadership holding people accountable for godly behavior
- Choirs, songs of thanksgiving, and musical instruments
Responsive Reading - From Psalm 139
Leader: O LORD, You have searched me and know me.
Response: You know my sitting down and my rising up.
Leader: You understand my deepest thoughts.
Response: You know where I play and where I rest.
Leader: You have full knowledge of what I like and dislike.
Response: I cannot even speak a word without You knowing it before it comes out of my mouth.
Leader: You have place a guard to protect me on all sides.
Unison: Your love for me is more than I can understand!
Response: You know my sitting down and my rising up.
Leader: You understand my deepest thoughts.
Response: You know where I play and where I rest.
Leader: You have full knowledge of what I like and dislike.
Response: I cannot even speak a word without You knowing it before it comes out of my mouth.
Leader: You have place a guard to protect me on all sides.
Unison: Your love for me is more than I can understand!
