Concern for one’s nation II
Christian Religious Studies SS2 Third Term
Week 2
Topic: Concern for one’s nation II
Performance objectives
Pupils should be able to:
- Describe the concern of Nehemiah, Ezra, and Zerubbabel for their nation despite oppositions
- Explain the rebuilding of Jerusalem
Content
A. The rebuilding of Jerusalem
Nehemiah, a captive in Babylon was visited by Hanani. Nehemiah wanted to know the state of Jerusalem and her inhabitants; Nehemiah was told that the remnants of the land were in great trouble and shame. He was told that the gates of the wall were broken down and destroyed. This made Nehemiah sad and he wept bitterly. He then fasted and prayed for several days. He requested for his freedom from the king of Babylon. He was allowed to go. On his arrival to Jerusalem, he delivered the king’s letter to the governors of the provinces.
In the letters, it was written that the materials needed by Nehemiah for the reconstruction of the city supplied to him. This was done and the reconstruction work on the walls of Jerusalem began in earnest. Nehemiah went in the night to inspect the walls of Jerusalem that were broken down. Nehemiah said, “Let us build the walls of Jerusalem so that we may no longer suffer disgrace.” The people responded and work started but Samballat and Tobiah opposed the reconstruction work.
B. Responsibility to our nation Nigeria
i. As citizens, it is our responsibility to build our nation.
ii. We must carry out our obligations without any form of selfishness
iii. We must have a positive goal to achieve
iv. As leaders we should serve will sincerity and fear of God
v. The progress of our nation should be our number one priority.
Moral lesson
I. The Commitment Of The Prominent Jews To The Rebuilding Of their nation is worthy of emulation. These people occupied prominent positions in the government of the country where they were carried to exile but this did not make them forget their own country; they were not carried away by the prominent positions they were occupying.