Connecting to the world

Nehemiah was the Persian king's cup-bearer. When God has work to do, he will never want instruments to do it with. Nehemiah lived at ease, and in honour, but does not forget that he is an Israelite, and that his people are in distress. He was ready to do them all the good he could; and that he might know how best to do them good, he makes inquiries about them. Point one: We should inquire especially concerning the state of the church and the gospel. Every Jerusalem on this side of heavenly will have some defect, which will require the help and services of its friends. Nehemiah's first application was to God, that he might have the fuller confidence in his application to the king. Our best pleas in prayer are taken from the promise of God, the word on which he has caused us to hope. Other means must be used, but fervent prayer of a righteous man is what is needed most. Point two: Communion with God will best prepare us for our dealings with men. When we have intrusted our...