The last words of Nehemiah are probably something we all hope for: that God remembers us for the good we have done in our lives. Of course, we come up short over and over again, just like the Israelites. But God’s forgiveness and love is abundant.
September 28 Nehemiah 9:1-38
Today’s Takeaways:
- The people completed the wall and have been rejoicing.
- As the priests summarize Israel’s history for the people, note how Israel’s failure and God’s faithfulness are weaved throughout the narrative.
- It is notable that confession of sins was a part of a ritual (wearing different clothing and heads covered in dirt). Rituals are useful to help us get into the right frame of mind and set the tone for whatever we are doing.
Today’s Talking Topic:
- Take some time and reflect on God’s faithfulness and goodness to you in your life.
- Ask God for renewal. You can pray something like: “God I have failed, again, please continue your work in me.”
September 29 Nehemiah 10:1-39
Today’s Takeaways:
- The people enter a covenant with God and sign their names – isn’t it cool to be able to read the actual names of the people who made this covenant?
- The covenant was a short summarizing of all of God’s law given to the Israelites – and a promise to keep it this time.
Today’s Talking Topic:
- What is the importance of attaching your name to something?
- The last promise of the covenant is that the signers “will not neglect [or forsake] the house of our God.” What do you think this means?
September 30 Nehemiah 11:1-12:26
Today’s Takeaways:
- Let’s be honest: when you see lists like this in the Bible, you probably skip them. But there is some important information in there.
- Jerusalem had just been rebuilt but there weren’t enough people to live in it. This chapter describes how they populated the city and gives the names of those who came.
Today’s Talking Topic:
- What are the different ways people came to live / were chosen to live in Jerusalem?
October 1 Nehemiah 12:27-47
Today’s Takeaways:
- Despite much opposition, the wall was finished in 52 days and now the people move to dedicate it. God had favored the people in allowing them to get this far, returned to the promise land, rebuilding the city and walls. What a reason for thanksgiving and celebration!
Today’s Talking Topic:
- What was the purpose of the choirs? What can we learn from this about worship?
- Why were the people so joyful? Where do you think this joy came from?
- We all express our joy differently, how can you tell when members of your family are happy?
October 2 Nehemiah 13:1-31
Today’s Takeaways:
- Only a few years after signing the covenant, the people had already forgotten their promises about who they can marry.
- We read a summary of Nehemiah’s reforms once he arrived back in Jerusalem.
Today’s Talking Topic:
- What makes a great leader? Do you think Nehemiah was a great leader?
Munger Kids 