KEY VERSE: “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels. For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, ‘Peace be within you.’ For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your prosperity.” (Psalm 122:6-9, LSG)

The deep bond that united Nehemiah to the land of his ancestors, despite the great distance and the generations that separated him, strongly reminds us of the importance of embracing our homeland. In Nehemiah’s case, Susa and Jerusalem were 2,415 km apart—a journey that would have taken three months in his time.

Yet, the geographical and temporal gap could not diminish his love for Jerusalem. When Nehemiah learned that the walls of Jerusalem were in ruins and its gates had been burned, he was deeply saddened. He did not weep over the loss of a city where he was born but lamented the destruction of “the city where his fathers’ tombs lay.” This choice of words highlights the significance of identity that transcends lineage.

This aspect of Nehemiah’s character invites us to reflect on our own roots, recognizing the importance of embracing our homeland or ancestral home. Whether near or far, the connection to the land of our ancestors holds a special place in our hearts. It is not just a geographical location but also a repository of history, values, and shared family ties.

PRAYER

Lord God, grant me the maturity of discernment. I want to care about the things that matter to You. Amen.

APPLICATION

How can communities, families, and individuals instill in younger generations a sense of value and attachment to their homeland or ancestral heritage?

This text is an excerpt from the book “NEHEMIAH, RISE UP, Vol.1 Devotion” written by Pastor Gregory Toussaint.

We invite you to read the following article: “TRANSMITTING CULTURAL HERITAGE”.