Thrive in College & Career (11)

The entire book of Nehemiah talks about how Nehemiah led and completed the project of rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem for God’s people and their next generations. The main star in the book obviously is Nehemiah. But today let’s look at the interactions between Nehemiah and an important yet very often neglected person in the book – King Artaxerxes. He and Nehemiah help us answer the following questions that can emerge in every aspect of our life, including our career, imagining the king is a manager and Nehemiah is an employee in today’s terms.

Do we recognize people’s need?

King Artaxerxes cares about his people, including his cupbearer, Nehemiah. You could say Nehemiah must be doing a great job as a cupbearer. However, King Artaxerxes also deserves the credit of noticing the change in the mood of his servant and caring for what caused the change. Immediately after Nehemiah stated his request, King Artaxerxes recognized that the reason was for a good cause and gave him the best lumbers and a letter to travel between countries.

You may ask what King Artaxerxes has to do with us? Well, let me ask you some questions. Do we recognize when someone needs help? How many misses we have made? Do we pay attention to people who are down and out at work? King Artaxerxes’ one move created a stream of edifying work for Israelites. He brought this new hope for rebuilding the wall for Jerusalem. Likewise, do we also bring hope and caring to other people at work, school or any other places? When was the last time we cared for someone? Let’s become a King Artaxerxes, a person with Godly behavior.

Do we recognize when we need help?

King Artaxerxes provided Nehemiah lumbers from King’s Garden, the best wood in the country. And Nehemiah gladly took it, and was thankful about it. Hence the Jerusalem wall had a new chapter in the history.

Today at work or school, do we recognize that we need help? And what does it take to help us recognize? If we take a test of truth, the truth of God will make us see how lacking we are. And God’s truth will give us a true picture of what we need, for God knows all our needs (Matt 6:8). Nehemiah was truthful to God, so he recognized he needed help and accepted King’s offer. We should do the same too, being truthful to God and then ourselves. Let us live a life according to the truth and examine ourselves against God’s words for the truth sets us free.

“And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32)

To learn more about being a truthful Godly Christian no matter where we are, at work, home, or church, come join us in our upcoming Fall Evangelical Service and Spiritual Convocation.

September 26-29, 2024

Thursday, September 26,2024 6:50PM to 8:10PM
Friday and Saturday, 27-28, September 2024 9:00AM to 8:10PM
Sunday, September 29, 2024 9:00AM to 1:00PM
Complimentary lunch and dinner will be served.

Our church’s address is as follows:

True Jesus Church
4N550 Church Road
Bensenville, IL 60106
 Google Maps

In the meantime, please feel free to join us for our regular Sabbath (Friday evening and Saturday) services online or in-person.

Friday Evening Service:  7:50PM – 9:00PM

Saturday Morning Service:  10:50AM – 12:00Noon

Saturday Afternoon Service:  1:30PM – 2:40PM

Email us at ilovejesus@tjc-chicago.org