The
Lord’s people, in Nehemiah’s time, made this commitment: “We will not
neglect the House of our God” (Nehemiah 10:39). Such a commitment to
God and His work is not easy to maintain. There is an enemy who opposes
God and His work – “the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the
devil, or Satan” (Revelation 20:2). Whatever chaos Satan may cause in
the Lord’s work here on earth, we are left in no doubt about his
eternal destiny: “The devil … will be tormented day and night for ever”
(Revelation 20:10). Satan’s eternal destiny is very different from
that of God’s people: “The Lord takes delight in His people; He crowns
the humble with salvation” (Psalm 149:4) – “This is the glory of all
His saints” (Psalm 149:9).
There is to be prayer from “every one who lives in the land” (Joel 1:14). It is to be personal prayer - “O Lord, I cry to You for help!” (Joel 1:19). These two belong together - prayer for the nation and personal prayer. This is expressed so well in the words: “O Holy Ghost, revival comes from Thee. Send a revival. Start the work in me.” We hear the words, “Return to the Lord, your God” (Joel 2:13). They are followed by some wonderful words about the character of God - “He is merciful and compassionate, patient and always ready to forgive and to change His plans about disaster” (Joel 2:13). How do we know that God is like this? We look at what He has done for us - “Be glad and rejoice. The Lord has done great things!” (Joel 2:21). Looking at all that the Lord has done for us, we trust His promise: “Whoever calls on the Name of the Lord will be saved” (Joel 2:32). This salvation is more than forgiveness for past sins. It’s more than the future glory of being in God’s ev...
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