Counting to Filipino Nehemiahs
BY REV. RENATO BERNARDO
“…Things are not going well for those who returned to the province of Judah.
They are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem has been turned down, and the gates have been destroyed by fire.”
These are the words that changed a man’s destiny. And it turned out that he was on his way to being used by God in changing the course of his nation. Nehemiah’s story is forever engraved in the annals of Christian history because of his exceptional response to Judah’s bleak situation as painted by the quoted verse from Nehemiah 1:3.
How did this man of God face his nation’s discouraging state? The answer to this question proves to be insightful to our own current condition and our significant part in effecting change in our beloved Philippines.
Nehemiah as a builder
Nehemiah proved himself a worthy example of a true nation-builder.
There are three important things that can be gleaned from Nehemiah’s life. And these insights are gems to our own pursuit of rebuilding our nation.
First, Nehemiah sought to know the state of his people (Nehemiah 1:2). This is rooted in his genuine concern for the welfare of the Israelites. This was evident in his immediate inquiry about the Israelites who returned to their land after the exile. Despite the fact that he was living separately from his fellow Israelites then, he still identified himself with them and showed his sincere interest in what was happening to them. It was his knowledge of their true state that compelled him to take positive action.
Nehemiah’s concern for his own people presents to us the probing question, just how many Filipinos today care enough to know about the condition of our fellowmen? More pointedly, how many Christian Filipinos have truly asked the question, “How are you, my beloved Philippines?” And if there were those who have sought to know what our country is going through, just how many of them have really listened to her answers?
Let us try to explore into our country’s possible despairing reply. She probably would have the following to say:
“For the past years, I have received a number of titles. If you have the time, I will name some. I have been considered a paradise – a Drug Smuggler’s Paradise and the Sex Paradise of Asia. I have also received titles in superlative degree – the
“How many Christian Filipinos have truly asked the question, “How are you, my beloved Philippines?”
Most Corrupt Country in Asia (according to Political and Economic Risk Consultancy) and the Most Dangerous Place for Journalists. Do you know how wealthy I am right now? Three million of my sons and daughters are unemployed and 2.8 million families experience hunger. Maybe these are the reasons why many of my beloved children are leaving for abroad – nine
God has proven throughout history His unequaled love for His people.
million are in other countries, three out of four want to go abroad. UNICEF said the 27% of my kids are malnourished. Maybe just maybe, some of these malnourished kids are found on the street for according to End Child Pornography and Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes and Asiaweek, I have 1.5 million street children of which 60,000 are prostituted. Moreover, I am deeply saddened by the report that about 400,000 abortion cases happen here annually. Fortunately, there are some who do not get aborted yet ends up unschooled. They say around 14.6 million out-of-school youth are on the streets. Are you still there?”
Second, Nehemiah took specific steps to address the current condition of his people (Nehemiah 1:4-11). Nehemiah started with the basic; he called out to God in prayer and fasting. He recognized that prayer is the link between the King on the throne and the Church at His footstool. With this, he also made a big decision, and that is to leave the comforts of the king’s chamber.
When he became too troubled for his people, his anxious countenance revealed his broken heart. The king who he faithfully served took notice and granted him favor beyond his expectation. He was released from his official duties and sent out to begin his mission that would cost him much. And he proved himself completely driven to the cause of rebuilding the ruined walls of Jerusalem and with it the honor of God’s people.
The rebuilding did not happen smoothly however because of the opposition headed by then famous leaders, Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite. Yet Nehemiah stayed unmoved; he devised plans to resist these oppositions by requiring the people to carry a weapon on one hand and bricks on the other. So it was not only Nehemiah who paid the price, but everyone.
How wonderful it would be for Nehemiah’s passion for his nation to
Let us believe that the rebuilding of our nation is also possible with the help of God and our collective participation.
also run through the veins of Filipinos at such a time as this! Filipino Nehemiahs should also take a positive step in addressing the distressing plight where we are in now. And just as Nehemiah called out to God for mercy and guidance, we should also tighten our grip on our God in prayer and fasting. But our part never stops in our prayer closets; it extends to our participation in issues that concern our nation. And like Nehemiah, we are faced with two options – to stay negligent or to get involved at whatever cost.
Third, Nehemiah believed in God’s sufficient provision and sure promise. As the work progressed, Nehemiah never let go of his faith in God’s unchanging character as he confidently professed that the “the God of heaven will help us succeed” (Nehemiah 2:20). And the Bible tells us that God’s marvelous plan prevailed in the end.
God has proven throughout history His unequaled love for His people. Let us not forget that the Philippines is also important to Him; He has never forgotten His plan for us. As surely as no one and nothing was able to stop the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem, let us believe that the rebuilding of our nation is also possible with the help of God and our collective participation.
Our God never changes. With this truth, the Nehemiahs of the Philippines are right to spread the hope of what we usually refer to as Bagong Pilipinas. Who will keep the faith other than those who truly acknowledge the unchanging love of our Creator, He who is faithful to finish what He has started in us? And who will move other than those who have a heart for genuine change in our nation?
Our beloved country urgently needs builders like Nehemiah – builders who are not just ready but are willing to open their eyes to the needs of the country, to find ways to contribute to the fulfillment of God’s awesome plan, and to exemplify a firm faith in God’s immeasurable love and unchanging plan.
There is hope for the Philippines, as surely as we stand as His a nation-full modern-day Nehemiahs!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rev. Renato Bernardo is the Director for Education of the Jesus Is Lord Church