Scripture to Read: Nehemiah 3:26-28
The two gates mentioned today in Nehemiah 3:26-28 are the Water Gate and the Horse Gate. The water gate was the gate that fresh water was brought into the city of Jerusalem. The water Gate symbolizes the Word of God. Just as water refreshes our physical bodes, God’s Holy Word refreshes, renews, and revives us spiritually every day. In Nehemiah 8 Ezra actually stands in front of the Water Gate and reads the Word of God. The place Ezra chose was no accident but was symbolic. Also, notice that the Water Gate needed no repair, just as the Word of God needs no repair but is everlasting (1 Peter 1:22-25; Hebrews 4:12). The Horse Gate is also mentioned. The horse was, and still is, a symbol of war in Scripture. Men only rode horses in a time of battle. As Christians, we are in a battle every day of our lives. God reminds us how to be prepared for the battles we face each day. In 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, God reminds us that the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but that our weapons are divinely powerful. The divine power God has given us is Himself, through His Holy Spirit in us and His Holy Word. In order for us to be prepared for battle, we must put on His armor every moment of every day (Ephesians 6:10-18). Again, God’s armor is His Spirit and His Word, so we must abide in Him and His Word to be victorious.
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about His living water and about the battlefield you are in each day?
2. How are you being refreshed by God’s Word each day, and how are you preparing for the daily battles you face?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!