Nehemiah 9:12-13: Wonders and Miracle-Signs
Wednesday, August 21, 2024
Nehemiah reminds us that God accompanies us in the deserts of our lives when we experience anguish and fear. Jesus also tells us that we need not be afraid.
Nehemiah repeats the well-known story.
By day you led them with a Pillar of Cloud,
and by night with a Pillar of Fire
To show them the way
they were to travel.
More than any other demand or request, Jesus reminds, “Do not be afraid”. In one Gospel alone, Jesus repeats this soothing entreaty.
“So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows”. (Matthew 10:13)
At once [Jesus] spoke to them, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid”. (Matthew 14:27)
Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and do not be afraid”. (Matthew 17:7)
Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me”. (Matthew 28:10)
Nehemiah reminds us of the ancient link we have with the Living God.
You came down onto Mount Sinai,
you spoke to them out of heaven;
You gave them instructions on how to live well,
true teaching, sound rules and commands.
Nehemiah tells us again that the Living God will sustain us.
You gave bread from heaven for their hunger,
you sent water from the rock for their thirst.
You told them to enter and take the land,
which you promised to give them.
Nehemiah and Jesus, if we are able to listen carefully, describe the Living God’s fidelity. We might consider how we will respond today.
When we consider multiple translations of these verses, we begin to remember the many wonders and signs God has worked in and for us.
For a reflection on Nehemiah 9, enter the word Confession into the blog sear bar and reflect.
Images from: http://zenpundit.com/?p=17013 and https://thetruemountsinai.wordpress.com/2012/11/28/moses-followed-a-pillar-of-cloud-by-day-and-a-pillar-of-fire-by-night/
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