“Nehemiahs” Today Lead Out in Sabbath Reformation

The work of reform carried on by Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah presents a picture of spiritual restoration in the closing days of this earth’s history. Through the remnant of Israel God determined to preserve a knowledge of Himself in the earth. They were the guardians of true worship, the keepers of the holy Scriptures. Strong was the opposition they had to meet, heavy the burdens the leaders bore. But these men moved forward, firmly relying on God and believing that He would cause His truth to triumph.RR 239.5

Isaiah outlined the spiritual restoration that the work in Nehemiah’s day symbolized: “Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to live in.” Isaiah 58:12, NRSV.RR 240.1

A breach has been made in God’s law—the wall that He placed around His chosen ones for their protection. Obeying its principles of justice, truth, and purity is to be their perpetual safeguard. The prophet points out the specific work of this remnant people who built the wall: “If you refrain from trampling the Sabbath, from pursuing your own interests on My holy day; if you call the Sabbath a delight and the holy day of the Lord honorable; if you honor it, not going your own ways, serving your own interests, or pursuing your own affairs; then you shall take delight in the Lord, and I will make you ride upon the heights of the earth.” Isaiah 58:13, 14, NRSV.RR 240.2

In the time of the end every divine institution is to be restored. The breach made in the law when mere mortals tried to change the Sabbath is going to be repaired. God’s remnant people are to show that the law of God is the foundation of all enduring reform. In clear, distinct lines they are to show how necessary it is to obey all of the Ten Commandments. Impelled by the love of Christ, they are to cooperate with Him in building up the waste places. They are to be repairers of the breach, restorers of streets to live in.RR 240.3