Nehemiah 1: 1. Nehemiah wasn’t the first of the exiles to return to Jerusalem. Zerubbabel had led the first group back in 538 B.C., more than 90 years earlier. Ezra followed with a second group in 458 B.C., and here Nehemiah was ready to lead the third major return to Jerusalem. When he arrived after a three month journey, he saw the completed temple and became acquainted with others who had returned to their homeland.
But Nehemiah also found a disorganized group of people and a defenseless city with no walls to protect it. Before the exile , Israel had its own language , king, army, and identity. At this time it had none of these. What the Jews lacked most was Leadership, there was no one to show them where to start and what direction to take as they tried to rebuild their city. As soon as he arrived he began a back to basics program. He helped care for the peoples physical needs by setting a fair system of government and rebuilding Jerusalem’s wall’s. He also cared for their spiritual needs by rebuilding broken lives. Nehemiah is a model of committed, God-honoring leadership and this book contains many useful lessons for today.
Nehemiah 1: 2. Nehemiah was concerned about Jerusalem because it was the Jews’ holy city. As Judah’s capital city, it represented Jewish national identity, and it was blessed with God’s special presence in the temple. Nehemiah loved his homeland even though he had lived his whole life in Babylon. He wanted to return to Jerusalem to reunite the Jews and to remove the shame of Jerusalem’s broken down walls. This would bring glory to God and restore the reality and power of God’s presence among his people.
Nehemiah 1:4. Nehemiah broke down and wept when he heard that Jerusalem’s wall’s still had not been rebuilt. Why did this upset him? Wall’s mean little in most present day cities, but in Nehemiah’s day they were as essential as we would consider electrical power or a police force. They offered safety from raids and symbolized strength and peace. Nehemiah also mourned for his people , the Jews, who had been stifled by a previous edict that had kept them from rebuilding their walls. Nehemiah put all his resources of knowledge, experience, and organization into determining what should be done. When tragic news comes to you, first pray. Then seek ways to move beyond grief to specific action that helps those who need it
Nehemiah 1:5. Nehemiah fasted and prayed for several days , expressing his sorrow for Israel’s sin and his desire that Jerusalem would again come alive with the worship of the one true God. Nehemiah demonstrated the elements of effective prayer, praise, thanksgiving, repentance, specific request and commitment. When God’s people pray , difficult decisions fall into proper perspective , and appropriate actions follow.
Nehemiah 1: 11. Nehemiah was in the unique position to speak to the King. He was the trusted cupbearer who ensured the safety and quality of the King’s food and drink. Nehemiah was concerned, prayful and prepared as he looked for the right opportunity to tell the King about God’s people. Each of us is unique and capable of serving no matter what our position. Just as Nehemiah used his place as the King’s trusted servant to intercede for his people, we can use our present positions to serve God. Nehemiah prayed for success in this venture, not just for the strength to cope with his problems. Yet the success he prayed was not for personal advantage, position or acclaim. He requested success for God’s work. When God’s purposes are at work , don’t hesitate to ask for success.
How often do you ask God for help when under pressure?
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GZ
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