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Dr. Erez Soref: Preparation for Celebration - Walking the Walls With Nehemiah | One For Israel

March 19, 2026 | S2:E10 | 27:24

Dr. Erez Soref: Preparation for Celebration - Walking the Walls With Nehemiah | One For Israel
What if your victory isn’t complete until your life is filled with purpose, worship, and the presence of God? Join Dr. Erez Soref in “Walking the Walls with Nehemiah” as he reveals how preparation leads to true celebration. Discover how obedience, unity, and worship turn victory into lasting joy—and why God’s greatest work begins after the walls are built.
#Israel #Bible #Prophecy #Purpose #Worship #Praise #Music #Musician #SeekGod #Victory #ErezSoref

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| Dr. Erez Soref: Preparation for Celebration - Walking the Walls With Nehemiah | 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