Don’t Let The Fire Go Out

Nehemiah 8:8–10 KJV 1900

So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading. And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the Lord your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law. Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength.

Thesis: Don’t Let The Fire Go Out

The process of keeping the original Olympic flame burning until the next Olympics involves meticulous care and a series of well-coordinated steps. Here's an explanation of the process and the level of care involved:

1. Lighting the Flame:

The Olympic flame is initially lit in Olympia, Greece, using a parabolic mirror to focus sunlight.

This method ensures that the flame is ignited naturally, symbolizing purity and continuity from the ancient Games.

2. Torch Relay:

The flame is then transported via a torch relay, traveling through various countries and cities before arriving at the host city of the Olympic Games. This relay often involves thousands of torchbearers and various modes of transportation, including running, sailing, and even space travel.

3. Maintenance During the Games:

Once the flame arrives at the host city, it is used to ignite the cauldron at the Olympic stadium during the opening ceremony.

The flame burns continuously throughout the duration of the Games, symbolizing the enduring spirit of the Olympics.

4. Extinguishing and Preserving the Flame:

After the closing ceremony, the flame is ceremonially extinguished. However, a portion of the original flame is often preserved.

This is done by keeping it in specially designed safety lamps, similar to miner's lamps, which are capable of maintaining the flame in a controlled environment.

5. Transport and Storage:

The safety lamps containing the preserved flame are transported back to the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, Switzerland, or other designated locations.

They are stored in a secure and climate-controlled environment to ensure the flame remains lit.

6. Regular Monitoring:

The flame is regularly monitored by trained personnel to ensure it remains burning. This involves checking the fuel levels, ensuring the lamps are functioning correctly, and maintaining the appropriate environmental conditions.

7. Reignition for the Next Games:

In preparation for the next Olympic Games, the preserved flame is used to light the new Olympic torch. This process ensures that the flame's continuity is maintained, linking each Olympic Games to the next and preserving the tradition.

Introduction:

Nehemiah Chapter 4:

Opposition to the Rebuilding Efforts: Nehemiah and the Israelites faced intense opposition from their enemies, including Sanballat, Tobiah, and others who mocked and threatened them.

These adversaries were determined to stop the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, which symbolized the restoration of the Israelite community and their relationship with God.

Despite this, Nehemiah encouraged the people to trust in God and continue rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem.

This perseverance in the face of external threats demonstrated their initial commitment to God's mission.

Nehemiah Chapter 5:

Internal Strife and Social Injustice: Within the community, there was significant unrest due to economic disparities.

The wealthier Jews were exploiting their poorer brethren by charging high interest rates and forcing them into slavery.

This exploitation was contrary to God’s laws, which emphasized justice and compassion for one another.

Nehemiah addressed these injustices by calling a large assembly and urging the wealthy to restore what they had taken and to stop charging interest. They agreed, and Nehemiah set an example by not taking the governor's food allowance. This incident revealed how internal moral decay and social injustices had caused the Israelites to drift from God's commandments.

Nehemiah Chapter 6:

Further Plots Against Nehemiah: Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem continued their efforts to undermine Nehemiah through deceit and intimidation. They attempted to lure Nehemiah into a trap and spread false rumors to discredit him. However, Nehemiah remained steadfast in his mission, praying for strength and completing the wall in 52 days. This chapter shows the persistent external threats and the importance of unwavering faith and divine support in overcoming these challenges.

Modern Parallel: Many leaders and believers today face character attacks, false accusations, and attempts to discredit their work and faith. In an age of misinformation and social media, false rumors can spread quickly. Remaining steadfast in one’s mission, seeking God's strength, and focusing on the task at hand, as Nehemiah did, are essential for overcoming these challenges.

Nehemiah Chapter 7:

Securing Jerusalem: After the wall was completed, Nehemiah appointed gatekeepers, singers, and Levites to ensure the city's security.

He also took a census of the people, listing those who had returned from exile.

Despite the physical rebuilding, there was a need for spiritual renewal, as the people's connection to God's Word had weakened.

The census and appointments were steps towards re-establishing order and religious observance, but they also highlighted the need for a deeper, spiritual revival.

Nehemiah Chapter 8:

Reading of the Law: In response to this spiritual need, all the people gathered in the square before the Water Gate.

They met at Water Gate to hear the Scriptures – God’s Word is often symbolized as water because it can take the filth out of our lives and make us clean!

“That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word” (Ephesians 5:26).

“Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you” (John 15:3).

Note – There are many reasons why people come to church – yet the most important reason is to hear what God has to say to us through His word.

Ezra the scribe brought out the Book of the Law of Moses and read it aloud to the assembly, which included men, women, and all who could understand.

The reason why Ezra was called is because whenever you need labor you call a builder but when you need a word you call a Preacher.

Romans 10:14 KJV 1900

How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

Now what’s Interesting when you read the beginning of chapter 8 you recognize that Ezra was no stranger to the people of Israel

That’s 14 years before God raises up Nehemiah

There was a preacher who was teaching the people God’s word

Before God will ever have you build

He’ll deposit a word

The Levites assisted in explaining the law so that the people could understand it clearly.

This public reading and explanation of the Law were crucial for reminding the Israelites of their covenant with God and the standards they were to live by.

Punchline 1: Understand the Word (Nehemiah 8:8a)

Expound: "So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly..." Revival starts with clear understanding. Not skimming, not cherry-picking, but digging deep into God's Word.

Example: Imagine trying to assemble furniture with blurry instructions. Frustration!

We need clarity to build a strong spiritual life.

Bible studies, sermons, personal devotion - these aren't optional extras, they're essential fuel.

Another way to say it: No shortcuts.

Revival needs a solid foundation in God's truth.

Nehemiah 8:8-10:

Revival Through Understanding God's Word: As Ezra and the Levites read and explained the Law, the people were deeply moved, realizing how far they had drifted from God's commandments.

They wept in repentance, recognizing their failures and the consequences of their actions. However, Nehemiah, Ezra, and the Levites encouraged them to rejoice instead.

They emphasized that understanding God's Word should lead to joy, as "the joy of the Lord is your strength."

This moment marked the beginning of a renewed commitment to God's Word and a revival of their faith.

The encouragement to rejoice signified a shift from sorrow over past sins to joy in God's mercy and renewed relationship with Him.

Modern Parallel: In today's context, moments of realization and repentance occur during church services, personal devotions, or spiritual retreats.

Understanding and applying God’s Word can lead to heartfelt repentance and spiritual revival.

Leaders and fellow believers can encourage one another to find joy in God’s grace, shifting from sorrow over past mistakes to joy in a renewed relationship with Him.

Transition: Understanding is step one, but it's not enough...

Punchline 2: Internalize the Word (Nehemiah 8:8b)

Expound: "...and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading."

Head knowledge alone won't cut it.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV): "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

We need heart transformation.

It's like tasting food - you can read the recipe, but until you savor it, you haven't truly experienced it.

Example: Ever heard a convicting sermon, nodded along, then went back to life as usual?

That's missing the point.

Revival means letting God's Word penetrate our hearts, change our attitudes, shape our actions.

Another way to say it: Don't just be a hearer, be a doer.

Transition: Now we're getting somewhere, but there's a crucial third element...

Punchline 3: Celebrate the Word (Nehemiah 8:9)

Expound: "And Nehemiah...and the Levites...said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law." Revival isn't all seriousness.

The people wept at first, convicted by God's Word.

But Nehemiah and the leaders encouraged them to shift from mourning to recognizing the day's holiness.

Example: Think of a wedding. It's solemn vows, but also dancing, laughter, shared joy.

Despite what the World may say

They are irrational or unscientific.

They are intolerant or judgmental.

They are hypocritical.

They are brainwashed or indoctrinated.

They use religion as a crutch.

They are out of touch with modern values.

They impose their beliefs on others.

Our faith isn't a burden, it's a gift!

This is why when the Holy Spirit fell on the Day of Pentecost Peter came and gave the sense

Acts 2:15–17 KJV 1900

For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:

We need to rediscover the delight of knowing God, the thrill of His presence.

That's what keeps revival burning bright.

Another way to say it: Don't lose the joy. It's your spiritual fuel.

Climactic Punchline: Keep the Fire Burning (Nehemiah 8:10)

Expound: "Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength."

Revival carries a sense of community and sharing. After their initial conviction, Nehemiah urged the people to celebrate, feast, and share with those in need, emphasizing that joy in the Lord provides strength.

Example: Consider a community potluck where everyone brings a dish to share. The joy comes not just from eating but from the act of sharing and building community. Our faith should be a source of mutual encouragement and shared joy.

Another way to say it: Joy is not just personal; it's communal. Share it to keep it alive.

Scriptures that Compel Us to Share the Gospel:

Matthew 28:19-20 (KJV)

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."

Mark 16:15 (KJV)

"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."

Acts 1:8 (KJV)

"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."

Romans 10:14-15 (KJV)

"How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!"

Scriptures that Lift Up Jesus:

John 14:6 (KJV)

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

Philippians 2:9-11 (KJV)

"Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

Hebrews 12:2 (KJV)

"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."

John 3:16 (KJV)

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

Conclusion:

So, how do we keep revival going? Understand God's Word deeply, let it transform you from the inside out, and never lose the joy of knowing Him. It's not a one-time event, it's a lifelong journey. Tend the flame, friends, and watch the fire spread!

Call to Action:

Commit to deeper Bible study. Ask God to change your heart, not just your mind. Find ways to celebrate your faith, share the joy with others.

Remember: Revival isn't a spectator sport. It's a participatory dance. Let's keep the music playing!