In one of our four Bible Study classes this week we covered Nehemiah 11; a chapter which deals with the repopulating of Jerusalem and the other cities of Judah. At the appropriate time, participants were asked whether Nehemiah had a telescopic or microscopic view of his work. In other words, they were being asked if Nehemiah was just interested and/or focused in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalen or did he assume other roles for the sake of the city?
The question was actually posed in a True or False format. The question was not intended to be tricky at all. To be honest, I was looking for the participants to defend the position that Nehemiah had a telescopic view, looking to help the people of God beyond his initial purpose for coming to the Holy City. But one young lady, and our former First Lady, pointed out the correct answer, first of all, is seen in the fact that Nehemiah did not only see his assignment of rebuilding the wall, which would have been a microscopic view, but he went into repopulating the city and helping the inhabitants get refocused on God’s laws, which would be a telescopic view. The two prepared participants, representing two different generations, continued to present truths to the class. They made the teaching applicable to our lives by pointing out that while we have to look at ourselves internally and evaluate how we are carrying out our calling and fulfilling our purpose, a microscopic view, we have to be concerned with the overall condition of the body of Christ, a telescopic view. Oh, they were not done. Can you believe it? They rose to a yet a higher level, turning to theological perspectives, pointing out that the telescopic view reveals “the purpose” and the “why” of God’s mission for us on this earth. And, no they were not done, and the telescopic view, in the ultimate sense, is when we follow God’s view of each of us. You see, they stated, God cares intimately about individual people, how they carry out their specific tasks and fulfill their specific purposes. They pointed out how God brings the Divine microscope down and looks at us as individuals, and sees our personal sacrifices, made to accomplish transform others, and ourselves, by love, the word of God, and how we live out His word as His witnesses.
These two women did good, didn’t they? Amen! See what happens when you follow the admonition in the closing verse. Read it even if you glanced and said, “Oh I know that verse.” Think about how the study of the word paid off for the two Bible Study participants above, one a young adult still working, and one a retiree, still working for the Lord. Think about how profitable the word of God will be for you be as dig deep into it and allow the Holy Spirit to help you. Have a great Saturday! Show up for worship tomorrow Sunday, the Lord’s Day, and get some more word, receive with an open heart a message specifically sent for you! Oh, keep in mind, God’s microscope is on you and guess what? You can’t hide from his view. Be blessed!
“Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a workman [tested by trial] who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and skillfully teaching the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15 Amplified Bible)
Committed to the climb,
Mark L. King
It was a good study.You have taught us how to read and study the Bible, cross referencing scriptures provided in the side of the page in the Bible. I thank God for helping me in the studying of His word. Won’t He do it?
I admire your dedication and devotion to studying the word. Yes, He will help you and open your eyes to see the riches found in His word. Be blessed!