Today’s Devotion
Topic: “DISCOURAGERS” (Self Assessment)
It is a beautiful Saturday. Let us zoom straight into our weekly bible study.
BACKGROUND: Exiled in Persia, Nehemiah receives report that the wall of Jerusalem is broken down with its gates burnt with fire. Troubled by the news, Nehemiah fasted and prayed till one day Artaxerxes (the Persian Emperor he served) inquired about his sad countenance. Nehemiah explained everything to him and the king gave him both permission and supplies to rebuild the broken wall.
Text: Nehemiah 4: 1- 3
1 When Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he became angry and was greatly incensed. He ridiculed the Jews, 2 and in the presence of his associates and the army of Samaria, he said, “What are those feeble Jews doing? Will they restore their wall? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they finish in a day? Can they bring the stones back to life from those heaps of rubble— burned as they are?”
3 Tobiah the Ammonite, who was at his side, said, “What they are building— even a fox climbing up on it would break down their wall of stones!” Amen.
Questions:
- In your opinion, what is discouragement?
- From the passage, it is obvious that both Sanballat and Tobiah were neither Jews nor those required to supply Nehemiah with resources for the work. Why, then, were they so angry about a job that had little to do with them?
- Does the behavior of Sanballat and Tobiah expose some of the characteristics of people that like to discourage others? Can you share any with us?
- Why do you think the two distractors raised questions like “what are these FEEBLE Jews doing? Will they restore their wall? Can they bring the stones back to life from those heaps of rubble?” What role does doubtful questions and words play in breaking the confidence of our hearers?
- How should a practicing believer receive and handle “discouragers” and their discouragement?
- What have you learnt from today’s study?
Kindly reply on this same social media platform (Whatsapp & Facebook). We learn a great deal from the answers you share with us. Patiently waiting for your answers.
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