Talks for Growing Christians
The Longest Prayer
Nehemiah 9:24-38
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Lesson Number 28
Background Notes
Doctrinal Point(s)
- God must discipline His children.
- God does not break His promises.
Practical Application
- We cannot escape God’s discipline, but neither can we exhaust God’s patience.
- We don’t have to be slaves on our own land.
Questions
- Who was leading this prayer?
- This prayer traces the history of _____________ especially revealing God’s _________________ and His people’s _______________.
- Critics say the Bible is in error because archaeological digs have revealed little destruction during the time of the conquest. How would you answer them?
- When the Assyrian King Sennacherib attacked Jerusalem, God performed a miracle. What was the miracle? Where is it found in the Bible?
- Why does God discipline His children?
- What is mercy?
Answers
- Several of the Levites were leading the people in prayer
- Israel; faithfulness; unfaithfulness
- We should not expect to find a lot of destruction, for the cities were not destroyed, but taken over by the conquerors. Only a few were burned.
- 185,000 Assyrian troops died in one night, and Sennacherib returned to his own land. This account is documented in cuneiform records, and three times in Scripture: Isaiah 37:33-38, 2 Kings 19:32-37, and 2 Chronicles 32:1-21.
- Because He loves His children, and wants the best for them. God’s discipline is always constructive, and we will benefit if we submit to it.
- The word for mercy (sometimes translated as “lovingkindness”), is best defined as God’s loyal, steadfast, and faithful love.
Discuss/Consider
- Can we exhaust God’s patience? No, for His patience is unlimited. Are you thankful for His patience in your life? If so, tell Him.
- The Jews were “slaves in their own land” because the Persians exacted tribute in crops and livestock from the Jews (verses 36-37). How could we be slaves in the land God has given to us?
Challenge
- Can we escape God’s discipline? No, and we should value it! Consider what your life would be like if you were not disciplined by God.
Key Verses
- “Great is Thy faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:23
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