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Dr. Erez Soref: Preparation for Celebration | One For Israel

March 19, 2026 | 27:24

Dr. Erez Soref: Preparation for Celebration | One For Israel
Join Dr. Erez Soref in Why Israel?—a powerful eight-part journey through the greatest love story ever told: God’s covenant relationship with Israel and His invitation to the nations. This profound love still transforms lives today.
#Israel #Bible #Prophecy #Purpose #Worship #Praise #Music #Musician #SeekGod #Victory #ErezSoref

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| Dr. Erez Soref: Preparation for Celebration | One For Israel | March 19, 2026
  • Worship precedes warfare.
  • 00:00:05.051 --> 00:00:08.655
  • We need to be filled with our god-given purpose.
  • 00:00:08.655 --> 00:00:13.093
  • Our role as musicians is bringing healing to this nation.
  • 00:00:13.093 --> 00:00:17.630
  • You have to expand your boundaries
  • 00:00:18.398 --> 00:00:20.800
  • Of what worship is.
  • 00:00:20.800 --> 00:00:22.936
  • Don't be afraid.
  • 00:00:23.303 --> 00:00:24.637
  • Do not shrink back in unbelief.
  • 00:00:24.637 --> 00:00:27.273
  • Victory is on the other side.
  • 00:00:27.273 --> 00:00:32.011
  • I am dr. erez soref.
  • 00:00:32.479 --> 00:00:34.314
  • I was born and raised in the heart of israel,
  • 00:00:34.314 --> 00:00:37.050
  • But i never heard the gospel message
  • 00:00:37.050 --> 00:00:39.486
  • Until on a journey abroad,
  • 00:00:39.486 --> 00:00:41.754
  • My eyes were opened to the jewish messiah.
  • 00:00:41.754 --> 00:00:45.058
  • From that point,
  • 00:00:45.058 --> 00:00:46.426
  • My life has been dedicated
  • 00:00:46.426 --> 00:00:48.394
  • To bringing this gospel back to my people israel,
  • 00:00:48.394 --> 00:00:51.764
  • Equipping them to reach israel
  • 00:00:51.764 --> 00:00:54.033
  • And the world.
  • 00:00:54.033 --> 00:00:55.435
  • Together, as jews and gentiles,
  • 00:00:55.435 --> 00:00:57.871
  • We are one in messiah, one for israel.
  • 00:00:57.871 --> 00:01:17.257
  • Jerusalem is now the most populated city in israel.
  • 00:01:18.324 --> 00:01:22.495
  • With such a high demand to live here,
  • 00:01:22.495 --> 00:01:25.198
  • The city is bursting at its seams.
  • 00:01:25.198 --> 00:01:28.401
  • But in nehemiah's day,
  • 00:01:28.401 --> 00:01:29.969
  • Even after the walls were constructed
  • 00:01:29.969 --> 00:01:31.971
  • For peace and security,
  • 00:01:31.971 --> 00:01:34.007
  • There were still very few people living within its gates.
  • 00:01:34.007 --> 00:01:37.710
  • This was unacceptable.
  • 00:01:37.710 --> 00:01:39.712
  • Nehemiah had prepared the structure, the wall.
  • 00:01:39.712 --> 00:01:43.483
  • He had led israel to a great victory
  • 00:01:43.483 --> 00:01:45.885
  • Under the banner of the lord.
  • 00:01:45.885 --> 00:01:47.720
  • The people had experienced an awakening.
  • 00:01:47.720 --> 00:01:50.557
  • Their hearts were tender to the word once again.
  • 00:01:50.557 --> 00:01:54.761
  • But now this city needed to be filled with people
  • 00:01:54.761 --> 00:01:58.531
  • Who could give witness to god's greatness
  • 00:01:58.531 --> 00:02:01.301
  • Day after day.
  • 00:02:01.301 --> 00:02:02.936
  • Even though israel had experienced great victories,
  • 00:02:02.936 --> 00:02:06.472
  • Nehemiah needed to fill the city
  • 00:02:06.472 --> 00:02:08.875
  • So the victory would last.
  • 00:02:08.875 --> 00:02:11.110
  • Only then could their victories turn into true celebration.
  • 00:02:11.110 --> 00:02:15.949
  • As we walk the walls with nehemiah,
  • 00:02:15.949 --> 00:02:18.284
  • We will see his steps of preparation for celebration.
  • 00:02:18.284 --> 00:02:22.488
  • Yeshua gave a teaching about the man being released
  • 00:02:23.523 --> 00:02:26.859
  • From demonic bondage.
  • 00:02:26.859 --> 00:02:28.561
  • He said that after a while
  • 00:02:28.561 --> 00:02:30.063
  • The unclean spirit would come back.
  • 00:02:30.063 --> 00:02:32.332
  • It would find its home swept clean in order and empty.
  • 00:02:32.332 --> 00:02:37.170
  • The demon would then find seven spirits
  • 00:02:37.170 --> 00:02:39.372
  • More wicked than himself.
  • 00:02:39.372 --> 00:02:41.541
  • They would inhabit the man
  • 00:02:41.541 --> 00:02:43.209
  • And his state would be worse than before.
  • 00:02:43.209 --> 00:02:45.979
  • One thing we can learn from this
  • 00:02:45.979 --> 00:02:47.714
  • Is that we as humans need to be filled.
  • 00:02:47.714 --> 00:02:50.883
  • Filled with the holy spirit.
  • 00:02:50.883 --> 00:02:53.019
  • Filled with the love found in a messiah-centered community.
  • 00:02:53.019 --> 00:02:57.257
  • Filled with our god-given purpose.
  • 00:02:57.257 --> 00:03:00.026
  • But the scenario yeshua described
  • 00:03:00.026 --> 00:03:02.662
  • Is also the same danger nehemiah faced with jerusalem.
  • 00:03:02.662 --> 00:03:06.866
  • The people had repelled the enemy
  • 00:03:06.866 --> 00:03:08.901
  • And built up the walls.
  • 00:03:08.901 --> 00:03:10.570
  • The city was swept clean and put in godly order,
  • 00:03:10.570 --> 00:03:14.073
  • But it was largely empty.
  • 00:03:14.073 --> 00:03:16.476
  • Unless there were a thriving people living inside
  • 00:03:16.476 --> 00:03:19.746
  • Who followed god's word and lived to glorify him,
  • 00:03:19.746 --> 00:03:22.949
  • Their victory would have been short-lived.
  • 00:03:22.949 --> 00:03:26.019
  • So nehemiah became intentional and strategic.
  • 00:03:26.019 --> 00:03:29.756
  • He needed to take people from the surrounding towns in israel
  • 00:03:29.756 --> 00:03:33.059
  • And relocate them inside jerusalem to dwell.
  • 00:03:33.059 --> 00:03:36.763
  • He was already prepared.
  • 00:03:36.763 --> 00:03:38.765
  • A few chapters earlier,
  • 00:03:38.765 --> 00:03:40.366
  • Nehemiah had made all the families register
  • 00:03:40.366 --> 00:03:43.503
  • So he would have an accurate record.
  • 00:03:43.503 --> 00:03:45.938
  • Now he went through the record and cast lots,
  • 00:03:45.938 --> 00:03:49.676
  • Selecting one of every 10 families
  • 00:03:49.676 --> 00:03:52.779
  • To live inside the city.
  • 00:03:52.779 --> 00:03:54.580
  • In ancient israel,
  • 00:03:54.580 --> 00:03:56.249
  • The will of god was sometimes determined by casting lots.
  • 00:03:56.249 --> 00:04:00.186
  • These lots would be a sovereign indicator of god's will.
  • 00:04:00.186 --> 00:04:04.490
  • Proverbs 16:33 says:
  • 00:04:04.490 --> 00:04:12.498
  • Today we live in the age where the holy spirit
  • 00:04:13.433 --> 00:04:15.968
  • Lives inside every believer.
  • 00:04:15.968 --> 00:04:18.404
  • Paul tells us in corinthians 1
  • 00:04:18.404 --> 00:04:20.707
  • That the spirit searches out the mind of god
  • 00:04:20.707 --> 00:04:23.609
  • And reveals his thoughts to us.
  • 00:04:23.609 --> 00:04:25.912
  • God gives his people knowledge and wisdom
  • 00:04:25.912 --> 00:04:28.348
  • By the spirit without needing to cast lots
  • 00:04:28.348 --> 00:04:32.285
  • Or inquire of a priest.
  • 00:04:32.285 --> 00:04:34.821
  • But how often do we try and figure things out on our own?
  • 00:04:34.821 --> 00:04:39.192
  • We should follow nehemiah's example,
  • 00:04:39.192 --> 00:04:41.828
  • Not in casting lots,
  • 00:04:41.828 --> 00:04:43.429
  • But in leaning on god's wisdom.
  • 00:04:43.429 --> 00:04:46.299
  • When we lack wisdom,
  • 00:04:46.299 --> 00:04:47.800
  • We can ask god who gives generously
  • 00:04:47.800 --> 00:04:50.036
  • Without finding fault.
  • 00:04:50.036 --> 00:04:52.004
  • God revealed his will to nehemiah and the people
  • 00:04:52.004 --> 00:04:55.208
  • And they leaned into his sovereign wisdom.
  • 00:04:55.208 --> 00:04:58.144
  • One out of every 10 israelite families
  • 00:04:58.144 --> 00:05:01.047
  • Were chosen by lot to relocate to jerusalem.
  • 00:05:01.047 --> 00:05:04.817
  • It was a tithe of the people
  • 00:05:04.817 --> 00:05:07.019
  • Who were chosen by god to be dedicated to him,
  • 00:05:07.019 --> 00:05:10.390
  • To live in the holy city and prepare the way
  • 00:05:10.390 --> 00:05:13.192
  • For the future coming messiah.
  • 00:05:13.192 --> 00:05:15.428
  • It was a preparation for celebration.
  • 00:05:15.428 --> 00:05:18.831
  • There's a stigma of jerusalem today
  • 00:05:18.831 --> 00:05:21.234
  • Being a city of conflict.
  • 00:05:21.234 --> 00:05:23.369
  • Imagine how they might have felt
  • 00:05:23.369 --> 00:05:25.571
  • In nehemiah's day.
  • 00:05:25.571 --> 00:05:27.039
  • Israel had no advanced army.
  • 00:05:27.039 --> 00:05:29.375
  • The land was occupied by a foreign empire
  • 00:05:29.375 --> 00:05:32.311
  • And enemies surrounding them could break out at any time.
  • 00:05:32.311 --> 00:05:36.349
  • But astoundingly, the families that were chosen
  • 00:05:36.349 --> 00:05:39.285
  • To dwell in jerusalem did not see it
  • 00:05:39.285 --> 00:05:41.988
  • As a dangerous duty, but as a privilege.
  • 00:05:41.988 --> 00:05:44.991
  • So great was their desire to celebrate god's goodness
  • 00:05:44.991 --> 00:05:48.494
  • In god's city that the joy overcame fear.
  • 00:05:48.494 --> 00:05:52.498
  • The joy of the lord had once again become their strength,
  • 00:05:52.498 --> 00:05:56.269
  • Just like the people of jerusalem,
  • 00:05:56.269 --> 00:05:58.237
  • We can make the choice to offer our lives
  • 00:05:58.237 --> 00:06:01.073
  • To god willingly.
  • 00:06:01.073 --> 00:06:02.675
  • When we do this,
  • 00:06:02.675 --> 00:06:04.010
  • When we agree with whatever he asks of us,
  • 00:06:04.010 --> 00:06:06.979
  • He renews us, he transforms us
  • 00:06:06.979 --> 00:06:10.016
  • And we begin to see more clearly the will and plan of god
  • 00:06:10.016 --> 00:06:14.954
  • And just how good it is.
  • 00:06:14.954 --> 00:06:17.924
  • Our yes gives us a reason to celebrate.
  • 00:06:17.924 --> 00:06:21.894
  • Today we are witnessing a spiritual awakening in israel.
  • 00:06:21.894 --> 00:06:24.964
  • Unlike anything we've ever seen,
  • 00:06:24.964 --> 00:06:27.099
  • Hearts are being opened, lives are being transformed
  • 00:06:27.099 --> 00:06:29.402
  • And the good news of jesus is spreading throughout israel.
  • 00:06:29.402 --> 00:06:32.972
  • Today we have over 700,000 israelis
  • 00:06:32.972 --> 00:06:36.542
  • Subscribed to our hebrew gospel channel,
  • 00:06:36.542 --> 00:06:39.312
  • Making our channel that proclaims yeshua
  • 00:06:39.312 --> 00:06:41.747
  • One of the top youtube channels in all of israel.
  • 00:06:41.747 --> 00:06:44.851
  • God is opening hearts,
  • 00:06:44.851 --> 00:06:46.419
  • But for this ministry to succeed,
  • 00:06:46.419 --> 00:06:48.454
  • We need to be supported by prayer, your prayer.
  • 00:06:48.454 --> 00:06:51.824
  • That's why we've created a free prayer guide
  • 00:06:51.824 --> 00:06:54.327
  • To help you stand with israel
  • 00:06:54.327 --> 00:06:55.928
  • In this vital moment.
  • 00:06:55.928 --> 00:06:57.430
  • This 31-day prayer guide will equip you
  • 00:06:57.430 --> 00:07:00.399
  • To pray for israel's peace, salvation and restoration.
  • 00:07:00.399 --> 00:07:04.270
  • God is doing amazing things in israel.
  • 00:07:04.270 --> 00:07:06.639
  • Join us in prayer and be part of this awakening.
  • 00:07:06.639 --> 00:07:09.876
  • Scan the qr now to request your free prayer guide.
  • 00:07:09.876 --> 00:07:13.479
  • Together we can make an eternal impact.
  • 00:07:13.479 --> 00:07:16.082
  • Call now and join us in prayer for israel.
  • 00:07:16.082 --> 00:07:24.999
  • Call now and join us in prayer for israel.
  • 00:07:24.999 --> 00:07:30.403
  • Nehemiah sought god's wisdom on how to repopulate
  • 00:07:31.404 --> 00:07:35.174
  • The rebuilt city of jerusalem.
  • 00:07:35.174 --> 00:07:37.410
  • He cast lots and selected one out of every 10
  • 00:07:37.410 --> 00:07:40.980
  • To inhabit the city.
  • 00:07:40.980 --> 00:07:42.282
  • Nehemiah 11 and 12 lists the names
  • 00:07:42.282 --> 00:07:45.818
  • Of those who were chosen to live in jerusalem.
  • 00:07:45.818 --> 00:07:48.788
  • And though this list can seem very long,
  • 00:07:48.788 --> 00:07:51.591
  • Those families made up a very important remnant,
  • 00:07:51.591 --> 00:07:55.461
  • A remnant that would eventually prepare the way
  • 00:07:55.461 --> 00:07:58.264
  • For the messiah.
  • 00:07:58.264 --> 00:07:59.799
  • For example, among the list
  • 00:07:59.799 --> 00:08:02.135
  • Is one of the priests, aviyah.
  • 00:08:02.135 --> 00:08:04.904
  • Perhaps you don't recognize his name,
  • 00:08:04.904 --> 00:08:07.040
  • But his line would eventually lead to the priest zechariah.
  • 00:08:07.040 --> 00:08:11.210
  • And his son, john the baptist,
  • 00:08:11.210 --> 00:08:13.913
  • Was the prophet that prepared the way for yeshua.
  • 00:08:13.913 --> 00:08:17.150
  • So god was preparing even in the time of nehemiah.
  • 00:08:17.150 --> 00:08:20.753
  • Also among this list of jerusalem's inhabitants
  • 00:08:20.753 --> 00:08:24.390
  • Were entire families of musicians.
  • 00:08:24.390 --> 00:08:27.193
  • These were levites who primarily played instruments and sang
  • 00:08:27.193 --> 00:08:32.231
  • That saw their talent as more than just a hobby
  • 00:08:32.231 --> 00:08:35.835
  • Or a marketable skill.
  • 00:08:35.835 --> 00:08:37.904
  • For them, their excellence in music
  • 00:08:37.904 --> 00:08:40.306
  • Was a means to worship and celebrate
  • 00:08:40.306 --> 00:08:43.042
  • The goodness of god.
  • 00:08:43.042 --> 00:08:49.816
  • My name is yaron cherniak.
  • 00:08:50.383 --> 00:08:51.985
  • I'm from jerusalem.
  • 00:08:51.985 --> 00:08:53.786
  • I'm an artist, composer, multi-instrumentalist.
  • 00:08:53.786 --> 00:09:05.965
  • One particular instrument that i really like playing
  • 00:09:07.000 --> 00:09:09.168
  • Is the persian tar.
  • 00:09:09.168 --> 00:09:10.503
  • I'm not persian.
  • 00:09:10.870 --> 00:09:12.305
  • I'm partially from an eastern jewish family
  • 00:09:12.305 --> 00:09:16.075
  • And ashkenazi jewish family.
  • 00:09:16.075 --> 00:09:17.510
  • So i had both words of the ashkenazi tunes
  • 00:09:17.510 --> 00:09:21.381
  • And the mizrahi tunes.
  • 00:09:21.381 --> 00:09:22.915
  • Actually, i grew up listening mainly to rock music
  • 00:09:22.915 --> 00:09:25.551
  • And western music.
  • 00:09:25.551 --> 00:09:27.754
  • In the book of nehemiah,
  • 00:09:27.754 --> 00:09:29.622
  • We read about this beautiful moment
  • 00:09:29.622 --> 00:09:33.092
  • Of the people of israel going back to their land,
  • 00:09:33.092 --> 00:09:35.695
  • Rejoicing, giving thanks,
  • 00:09:35.695 --> 00:09:38.064
  • Singing songs with cymbals, with harps and lyres.
  • 00:09:38.064 --> 00:09:42.568
  • We can imagine that it's not only one type of song
  • 00:09:42.568 --> 00:09:45.705
  • Or type of music genre. there were different genres.
  • 00:09:45.705 --> 00:09:49.175
  • The expression of the text shows you that you have to go
  • 00:09:49.175 --> 00:09:52.311
  • Beyond what you understand as a musician.
  • 00:09:52.311 --> 00:09:54.914
  • You have to expand your boundaries
  • 00:09:54.914 --> 00:09:57.483
  • As a musician, as a composer.
  • 00:09:57.483 --> 00:09:59.485
  • But i think what actually brought me to discover
  • 00:09:59.485 --> 00:10:02.822
  • Ancient music or middle eastern music
  • 00:10:02.822 --> 00:10:05.458
  • Was trying to find my identity in god.
  • 00:10:05.458 --> 00:10:08.995
  • I started to realize that all these music genres
  • 00:10:08.995 --> 00:10:12.198
  • That i grew up listening to,
  • 00:10:12.198 --> 00:10:14.267
  • They didn't express enough.
  • 00:10:14.267 --> 00:10:16.335
  • They expressed some feelings,
  • 00:10:16.335 --> 00:10:18.705
  • But there were a lot of nuances that i couldn't find there.
  • 00:10:18.705 --> 00:10:22.041
  • But suddenly i found, i don't think mistakenly,
  • 00:10:22.041 --> 00:10:25.611
  • But i found someone walking in jerusalem
  • 00:10:25.611 --> 00:10:28.181
  • Who was playing the persian tar.
  • 00:10:28.181 --> 00:10:29.849
  • So i asked him, i said:
  • 00:10:29.849 --> 00:10:31.184
  • "can you give me like just a few notes,
  • 00:10:31.184 --> 00:10:33.086
  • "just to listen to it?" and i was just falling in love
  • 00:10:33.086 --> 00:10:36.255
  • With the sound of these instruments
  • 00:10:36.255 --> 00:10:38.291
  • Because they had such a beautiful resonance and skills
  • 00:10:38.291 --> 00:10:41.994
  • That i couldn't find in the guitar or the piano
  • 00:10:41.994 --> 00:10:43.996
  • Or any other western instrument.
  • 00:10:43.996 --> 00:10:46.799
  • That's a persian tar.
  • 00:10:47.300 --> 00:10:48.868
  • It's made out of mulberry wood.
  • 00:10:49.535 --> 00:10:52.271
  • This white stuff on the neck of the instrument
  • 00:10:52.271 --> 00:10:55.641
  • Is made out of camel bone.
  • 00:10:55.641 --> 00:10:58.911
  • It's a very organic instrument, right?
  • 00:10:59.746 --> 00:11:02.381
  • Once i played it, something inside of me
  • 00:11:02.381 --> 00:11:04.183
  • Started to stir, started to move.
  • 00:11:04.183 --> 00:11:06.219
  • And i was like, it's echoing something i feel inside.
  • 00:11:06.219 --> 00:11:09.455
  • It's echoing some kind of a deeper process
  • 00:11:09.455 --> 00:11:11.758
  • That i'm going through.
  • 00:11:11.758 --> 00:11:13.192
  • We often dismiss performance
  • 00:11:13.192 --> 00:11:14.827
  • As something more artificial.
  • 00:11:14.827 --> 00:11:17.497
  • We think performance is something that
  • 00:11:17.497 --> 00:11:19.565
  • Only involves the mind.
  • 00:11:19.565 --> 00:11:21.801
  • But it's actually a meeting point
  • 00:11:21.801 --> 00:11:23.336
  • Of your mind and your soul.
  • 00:11:23.336 --> 00:11:25.238
  • We read in the bible about the levites
  • 00:11:25.238 --> 00:11:27.039
  • And the priest.
  • 00:11:27.039 --> 00:11:27.974
  • We had once a year,
  • 00:11:27.974 --> 00:11:30.309
  • The high priest entered the most quiet place, right?
  • 00:11:30.309 --> 00:11:34.280
  • The holy of holies.
  • 00:11:34.280 --> 00:11:35.615
  • This moment is filled with awe.
  • 00:11:35.615 --> 00:11:38.050
  • It's filled with excitement
  • 00:11:38.050 --> 00:11:39.685
  • Because it's only repeated once a year.
  • 00:11:39.685 --> 00:11:42.588
  • But this is also a performance.
  • 00:11:43.256 --> 00:11:45.258
  • He had to fulfill his role as a high priest
  • 00:11:45.258 --> 00:11:48.227
  • Entering the holy of holies.
  • 00:11:48.227 --> 00:11:50.263
  • And i think as someone that writes worship songs
  • 00:11:50.263 --> 00:11:54.801
  • Or songs that are rooted in the biblical hebrew text,
  • 00:11:54.801 --> 00:11:59.105
  • Showing professionality is part of your place
  • 00:11:59.105 --> 00:12:02.675
  • As someone that leads others into a better state of mind,
  • 00:12:02.675 --> 00:12:07.513
  • Right? you want to lead your audience
  • 00:12:07.513 --> 00:12:11.050
  • Into what we call the presence of god, right?
  • 00:12:11.050 --> 00:12:14.387
  • Part of leading others into this presence
  • 00:12:14.387 --> 00:12:17.223
  • Is putting your ego aside.
  • 00:12:17.790 --> 00:12:20.092
  • You're not in the middle. you're not the center.
  • 00:12:20.092 --> 00:12:22.762
  • It's not about you, how you look and how you sound.
  • 00:12:22.762 --> 00:12:26.365
  • Imagine you had to bring back all the levites
  • 00:12:26.365 --> 00:12:29.502
  • From different regions and convince them
  • 00:12:29.502 --> 00:12:32.438
  • That it's worth coming and playing again music for god.
  • 00:12:32.438 --> 00:12:35.641
  • After the tragedy, right, that our people went through,
  • 00:12:35.641 --> 00:12:39.212
  • They lost everything, right?
  • 00:12:39.212 --> 00:12:40.980
  • And now you had to reassemble your hope,
  • 00:12:40.980 --> 00:12:44.150
  • Reassemble your vision for the country,
  • 00:12:44.150 --> 00:12:46.986
  • For the land, for the temple, for jerusalem,
  • 00:12:46.986 --> 00:12:49.722
  • And reimagine it again.
  • 00:12:49.722 --> 00:12:51.390
  • Believing that it's worth singing in jerusalem,
  • 00:12:51.390 --> 00:12:54.227
  • We have to come together
  • 00:12:54.227 --> 00:12:55.828
  • In order to see this space transform.
  • 00:12:55.828 --> 00:12:59.298
  • Beautiful example of how music can function
  • 00:12:59.298 --> 00:13:01.367
  • As part of a healing process.
  • 00:13:01.367 --> 00:13:03.970
  • We had one event, actually a couple of concerts on campus
  • 00:13:03.970 --> 00:13:07.874
  • Of the persian ensemble with the most leading masters
  • 00:13:07.874 --> 00:13:11.043
  • Of persian music.
  • 00:13:11.043 --> 00:13:12.211
  • The whole ensemble was
  • 00:13:12.211 --> 00:13:13.212
  • Israelis and iranians.
  • 00:13:13.212 --> 00:13:15.514
  • While we're having anti-semitic marches on campus,
  • 00:13:15.514 --> 00:13:20.353
  • We can't see music, but we can feel it.
  • 00:13:20.353 --> 00:13:22.889
  • Therefore, i think our role as musicians
  • 00:13:22.889 --> 00:13:25.658
  • Is being part of this healing process,
  • 00:13:25.658 --> 00:13:27.994
  • Bringing healing to this region, to this nation.
  • 00:13:27.994 --> 00:13:31.097
  • So be part of it. i want to challenge you,
  • 00:13:31.097 --> 00:13:33.599
  • Go and pick up an instrument
  • 00:13:33.599 --> 00:13:35.167
  • Not from your culture.
  • 00:13:35.167 --> 00:13:37.003
  • Go study language not of your native tongue.
  • 00:13:37.003 --> 00:13:40.406
  • And why i'm saying that?
  • 00:13:40.406 --> 00:13:41.407
  • Because jerusalem is a mixture
  • 00:13:41.407 --> 00:13:43.209
  • Of so many sounds, cultures,
  • 00:13:43.209 --> 00:13:45.278
  • Everything happening at once.
  • 00:13:45.278 --> 00:13:47.313
  • If you want to come and experience jerusalem,
  • 00:13:47.313 --> 00:13:49.482
  • Come with an open-minded approach,
  • 00:13:49.482 --> 00:13:53.085
  • That you're part of a process
  • 00:13:53.085 --> 00:13:55.054
  • Of expanding your understanding of worship.
  • 00:13:55.054 --> 00:13:57.590
  • Because worship is a process, it must be a dynamic process.
  • 00:13:57.590 --> 00:14:01.127
  • You step out of your comfort zone as a songwriter,
  • 00:14:01.127 --> 00:14:04.030
  • A worshiper, and pick up an instrument
  • 00:14:04.030 --> 00:14:06.565
  • Or start listening to other types of worship music
  • 00:14:06.565 --> 00:14:10.069
  • From the different regions of the world.
  • 00:14:10.069 --> 00:14:17.977
  • Nehemiah depended on god's wisdom
  • 00:14:18.711 --> 00:14:21.547
  • To strategically repopulate the city of jerusalem.
  • 00:14:21.547 --> 00:14:25.351
  • And after all the people were in the right place,
  • 00:14:25.351 --> 00:14:28.354
  • He began preparing for another strategic event,
  • 00:14:28.354 --> 00:14:32.024
  • Celebration.
  • 00:14:32.024 --> 00:14:33.426
  • He writes:
  • 00:14:33.426 --> 00:14:58.751
  • Remember how tobiah had mocked nehemiah
  • 00:14:59.618 --> 00:15:02.288
  • And the workers in chapter 3?
  • 00:15:02.288 --> 00:15:04.423
  • He had said that if a fox goes up on it,
  • 00:15:04.423 --> 00:15:07.960
  • He will break down their stone wall.
  • 00:15:07.960 --> 00:15:10.363
  • But now the wall was so wide
  • 00:15:10.363 --> 00:15:13.366
  • That nehemiah had to form not one,
  • 00:15:13.366 --> 00:15:16.469
  • But two processions of singers to surround it
  • 00:15:16.469 --> 00:15:19.372
  • For the dedication. it was huge.
  • 00:15:19.372 --> 00:15:22.608
  • If israel had listened to the mockers at the start,
  • 00:15:22.608 --> 00:15:25.845
  • There would be no celebration at the end.
  • 00:15:25.845 --> 00:15:28.714
  • Doubt always shouts louder, but hope,
  • 00:15:28.714 --> 00:15:32.385
  • Even if it's quieter, endures.
  • 00:15:32.385 --> 00:15:35.154
  • And when we choose to follow hope,
  • 00:15:35.154 --> 00:15:37.757
  • The day comes when its song rises
  • 00:15:37.757 --> 00:15:39.959
  • Above every other sound
  • 00:15:39.959 --> 00:15:42.261
  • And celebration drowns out the noise of doubt forever.
  • 00:15:42.261 --> 00:15:46.432
  • If you want to go deeper in nehemiah's story,
  • 00:15:47.333 --> 00:15:50.436
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  • 00:15:56.742 --> 00:16:00.613
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  • Of restoration, prayer, and perseverance.
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  • The day had come for nehemiah and the city of jerusalem
  • 00:16:52.637 --> 00:16:56.241
  • To celebrate all that god had done.
  • 00:16:56.241 --> 00:16:58.844
  • As solomon said, there is a time for everything.
  • 00:16:58.844 --> 00:17:02.848
  • Sometimes there is a time for work,
  • 00:17:02.848 --> 00:17:05.050
  • A time to fight, a time to repent,
  • 00:17:05.050 --> 00:17:07.819
  • A time to put in order.
  • 00:17:07.819 --> 00:17:09.788
  • But there is also an appropriate time
  • 00:17:09.788 --> 00:17:11.590
  • To celebrate, to take joy and recognize what god had done.
  • 00:17:11.590 --> 00:17:16.027
  • Nehemiah writes that the people of jerusalem organized
  • 00:17:16.027 --> 00:17:19.564
  • Two great choirs.
  • 00:17:19.564 --> 00:17:21.266
  • Nehemiah himself headed one procession
  • 00:17:21.266 --> 00:17:24.102
  • And ezra led the other.
  • 00:17:24.102 --> 00:17:26.071
  • They went in opposite directions
  • 00:17:26.071 --> 00:17:28.206
  • And surrounded the entire city wall
  • 00:17:28.206 --> 00:17:30.408
  • With their march of thanksgiving.
  • 00:17:30.408 --> 00:17:32.544
  • As they marched around the wall,
  • 00:17:32.544 --> 00:17:34.446
  • Maybe they reflected on the stories of their ancestors,
  • 00:17:34.446 --> 00:17:37.883
  • Of moses and the children of israel
  • 00:17:37.883 --> 00:17:39.985
  • As they marched out of egypt,
  • 00:17:39.985 --> 00:17:41.786
  • Of joshua and the army marching around
  • 00:17:41.786 --> 00:17:44.055
  • The walls of jericho,
  • 00:17:44.055 --> 00:17:45.657
  • Of david and his army
  • 00:17:45.657 --> 00:17:47.192
  • Marching to conquer jerusalem years ago.
  • 00:17:47.192 --> 00:17:49.928
  • Then maybe they would think of their own stories.
  • 00:17:49.928 --> 00:17:53.398
  • The victory god has given in their lifetimes.
  • 00:17:53.398 --> 00:17:56.234
  • They may have remembered when nehemiah
  • 00:17:56.234 --> 00:17:58.370
  • First examined the wall,
  • 00:17:58.370 --> 00:18:00.238
  • Where he saw beyond what was
  • 00:18:00.238 --> 00:18:02.507
  • And saw god's prophetic vision.
  • 00:18:02.507 --> 00:18:05.477
  • As the people went around,
  • 00:18:05.477 --> 00:18:07.078
  • Each one may have seen the portion of wall
  • 00:18:07.078 --> 00:18:09.748
  • They had personally built.
  • 00:18:09.748 --> 00:18:11.783
  • They would remember the initial excitement
  • 00:18:11.783 --> 00:18:14.252
  • They had felt for the vision,
  • 00:18:14.252 --> 00:18:16.054
  • The discouragement and the setbacks from the opposition.
  • 00:18:16.054 --> 00:18:19.524
  • And as they marched, they would realize
  • 00:18:19.524 --> 00:18:22.327
  • Just like their forefathers,
  • 00:18:22.327 --> 00:18:24.196
  • It was god that gave the victory.
  • 00:18:24.196 --> 00:18:27.299
  • Think of your own history with god,
  • 00:18:27.299 --> 00:18:29.868
  • What he's done for you, for your family.
  • 00:18:29.868 --> 00:18:32.904
  • Maybe you're in the middle of the battle right now.
  • 00:18:32.904 --> 00:18:36.074
  • Don't be afraid.
  • 00:18:36.074 --> 00:18:37.375
  • Do not shrink back in unbelief.
  • 00:18:37.375 --> 00:18:40.011
  • Victory is on the other side.
  • 00:18:40.011 --> 00:18:42.280
  • And when we overcome, we realize that it was only him.
  • 00:18:42.280 --> 00:18:46.818
  • Galatians 6:9 says:
  • 00:18:46.818 --> 00:24:21.185
  • There was a great celebration.
  • 00:24:21.819 --> 00:24:24.255
  • The people had formed two choirs
  • 00:24:24.255 --> 00:24:26.291
  • And marched around jerusalem.
  • 00:24:26.291 --> 00:24:28.326
  • After they circled the city,
  • 00:24:28.326 --> 00:24:30.261
  • They met in front of the temple
  • 00:24:30.261 --> 00:24:32.196
  • At the gate of mercy.
  • 00:24:32.196 --> 00:24:33.798
  • There they entered the temple courts together.
  • 00:24:33.798 --> 00:24:37.535
  • As they remembered the wonders of god
  • 00:24:37.535 --> 00:24:39.604
  • And reflected on what he had done,
  • 00:24:39.604 --> 00:24:42.140
  • The choirs exploded in worship.
  • 00:24:42.140 --> 00:24:44.976
  • Nehemiah writes:
  • 00:24:44.976 --> 00:25:00.858
  • The joy of jerusalem was heard for miles,
  • 00:25:01.726 --> 00:25:04.662
  • Like a roar from a stadium.
  • 00:25:04.662 --> 00:25:06.864
  • It made their enemies tremble.
  • 00:25:06.864 --> 00:25:09.133
  • God was working on behalf of his people.
  • 00:25:09.133 --> 00:25:11.769
  • His blessing was on them.
  • 00:25:11.769 --> 00:25:13.671
  • So the people recognized, understood, and rejoiced.
  • 00:25:13.671 --> 00:25:17.775
  • Now you need to realize
  • 00:25:18.276 --> 00:25:20.078
  • That the circumstances of the israelites
  • 00:25:20.078 --> 00:25:22.547
  • Had not actually changed that much.
  • 00:25:22.547 --> 00:25:25.316
  • They were still a small minority
  • 00:25:25.316 --> 00:25:27.085
  • Under the rule of the persians.
  • 00:25:27.085 --> 00:25:28.853
  • There were still troubles from their enemies,
  • 00:25:28.853 --> 00:25:31.322
  • As we will see next time.
  • 00:25:31.322 --> 00:25:33.091
  • Yet, god himself caused his people
  • 00:25:33.091 --> 00:25:36.194
  • To rejoice once again with great joy.
  • 00:25:36.194 --> 00:25:39.731
  • Joy is a fruit of his spirit.
  • 00:25:39.731 --> 00:25:41.799
  • It comes from within, regardless of our circumstances.
  • 00:25:41.799 --> 00:25:45.903
  • I want to read you a beautiful song
  • 00:25:45.903 --> 00:25:48.339
  • From the prophet habakkuk:
  • 00:25:48.339 --> 00:26:23.541
  • In hebrew, the word for choir master
  • 00:26:24.308 --> 00:26:27.578
  • Is from the root word, "netzach",
  • 00:26:27.578 --> 00:26:30.314
  • Which is connected to the idea of victory,
  • 00:26:30.314 --> 00:26:33.384
  • "nitzachon".
  • 00:26:33.384 --> 00:26:34.719
  • It was anointed worshipers
  • 00:26:34.719 --> 00:26:36.421
  • That would often lead israelite warriors into battle.
  • 00:26:36.421 --> 00:26:39.490
  • Worship precedes warfare.
  • 00:26:39.490 --> 00:26:42.193
  • When we find ourselves in trouble
  • 00:26:42.193 --> 00:26:44.262
  • And cannot see our way out, we can join habakkuk
  • 00:26:44.262 --> 00:26:47.799
  • In singing songs of praise in the dark.
  • 00:26:47.799 --> 00:26:50.802
  • We can trust that god will overcome our enemies,
  • 00:26:50.802 --> 00:26:54.038
  • That he will ultimately lead us out in victory.
  • 00:26:54.038 --> 00:26:58.276
  • Our battle is preparation for celebration.
  • 00:26:58.276 --> 00:27:01.713
  • But next time, we'll see that the celebration
  • 00:27:01.713 --> 00:27:04.215
  • Is not the end.
  • 00:27:04.215 --> 00:27:05.850
  • The race is not over when you pull ahead
  • 00:27:05.850 --> 00:27:08.219
  • Of the other runners,
  • 00:27:08.219 --> 00:27:09.654
  • But when you cross the finish line.
  • 00:27:09.654 --> 00:27:12.557
  • Next time, we'll see the importance of finishing well
  • 00:27:12.557 --> 00:27:16.828
  • As we conclude our series,
  • 00:27:16.828 --> 00:27:18.730
  • "walking the walls with nehemiah".
  • 00:27:18.730 --> 00:27:18.730