Nehemiah is my favorite Old Testament book of the Bible. I admire the person, Nehemiah, because of his character qualities as well as the lessons his life teaches me. Being an 81 year old lady, I also admire Nehemiah because he finished his journey with God as passionate and strong as he began. Likewise, I so desire a strong journey and finish in my later years.
Nehemiah was in a trusted position with the King of Persia, King Artaxerxes. He was called a cup bearer which meant he followed the preparation and contents of everything the king ate or drank. He tasted it in his presence and served the king. This reminds me of Luke 16: 10-12 where Jesus told his disciples “whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with with much.” As the relationship of Nehemiah and his king unfolds, it is evident that a high responsibility of wealth and authority is handed to him from the king.
Nehemiah’s brother, Hanani, visited from Judah and gave him an account of what was going on among the jews who had returned from captivity in Babylon. It was not a good report. He learns that those survivors are in great distress and walls of the city and gates are broken. His people are hurting and vulnerable.
What really impresses me is Nehemiah’s response of weeping along with prayer for many days. Clearly his heart was very sad for his people, knowing they were in danger from enemies around them. He knew his people lacked resources and strength to repair their wall. He went into a long period of mourning and prayer for this situation. Wisely, Nehemiah knew a solution was not possible without an intervention of God as he intensely, fervently, prayed and fasted for days.
I have asked myself a very convicting question, “How many tears have I shed over my nations broken state and people I know who need to find Jesus?”
Have I truly mourned along with my prayers? In recent months I have been studying and thinking about how Jesus’ caring heart is expressed throughout the New Testament. In His humanity was He demonstrative and emotional? Then I reflect on Jesus, who not only wept over Lazarus’ death, but three times he wept over the city of Jerusalem in Luke chapter 13 and 19, and in Matthew chapter 23. He is drawn to hurting, broken, helpless people as he travels from town to town. Jesus was known to have a heart for sinners and tax collectors, or someone like the lady at the well who had many husbands and was ostracized because of her race. Yes, I believe Jesus showed emotions for people. My deceased husband often quoted from Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a martyr for Christ:
"let my heart be broken by what breaks the heart of God.”
Nehemiah’s response was not only emotional but immediate and obedient. He fasted and prayed, confessing Israel’s sins and his sins. He cried out to God for mercy. Many months went by before he approached the king. Nehemiah went to the king with a very organized plan and list of needs as well as prayer. As expected, the King asked how long Nehemiah would be away from his duties. A ready answer was given of 52 days, and he was given favor with time away as well as resources. Favor was given in the form of permission letters, large portions of timber from forests and army officers to accompany Nehemiah on his trip to Jerusalem. I am sure that all of these resources were recognized by Nehemiah as a mighty move of God rather than any power of his own. The scripture says that he had a lot of fear before going to the king, so it is evident that Nehemiah did not expect this to be an easy project.
After arriving in Jerusalem, Nehemiah took a few of his most trusted men and set out during the night to inspect the walls of the city. Being a man of wisdom he did not talk to anyone about what he planned to do. No place for drama! He was wise and guarded his mouth, giving no opportunity for negative feedback or gossip.
Then, Nehemiah talked to the priests, the officials and others he knew who would be interested in repairing the wall. He showed them his letters of permission from the king and explains all the resources for re- building. The people had confidence that the project has been given favor of Gods’ hand. They reply: “Let us start rebuilding.”
Very soon after the people have started building, there is opposition from community officials and neighbors outside the wall. Primarily, they are Sanballot and Tobiah and their friends. They throw insults in the face of the builders. Again, Nehemiah shows wisdom. He shows the leaders his permission from the king. He immediately talks to God about this problem rather than his enemies. He prays. (Nehemiah 4:4-5)
After Nehemiah prays he puts forth a plan of protection for the workers on the wall. He assigns people in intervals along the wall to provide protection with spears and bows. Then he speaks to the people in authority telling them not to be afraid and to remember the Lord who is great. Nehemiah also challenges the people to fight for their families. From that day on, half the men did the work, while the other half protected. Since they were so spread out, Nehemiah assigned trumpet blowers for notification of trouble and workers would congregate for help.
“In the place where you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us.”
Nehemia 4:20
I have prayed Isaiah 52:12 over my children and grandchildren, often. “I will be your rearguard.”
“But you will not leave in haste or go in flight; for the Lord will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard.”
Isaiah 52:12
This is such a beautiful picture of how prayer warriors are needed to be on the wall with those who are working. There is a calling for this ministry of people who regularly fight the battle in the heavens and make intercession for needs in the kingdom of God. Every believer should pray. Yet there are those who know their purpose is to stay on the wall, fighting hostility in the world, unbelief, deception, discouragement, sin, sickness, and so much more. These warriors fight on the wall with scripture and leading of the Holy Spirit’s power and authority.
There is also a purpose put forth here by Nehemiah for families. The father should act as the priest of his house. Spiritually and physically protecting their home and trusting God to fight for them. Everyone should intentionally gather a few strong christian friends who will “have your back” so to speak. This person or persons will know you well and be there for you when you are needy or have a crisis. This requires some time in getting to know one another and trust each other. Ask yourselves, “who can I call when I have an unusual need in my life.”
Then there was a cry. From the poor during the drouth and those who were being over taxed. Nehemiah defends the poor and advocates for them. He is also very generous, feeding many at his own table. This is a call for all of us to be generous to poor as well.
In chapter six the enemies come up with a conspiracy against Nehemiah. He does not let threats derail him from his purpose. It is so important for each of us to know certainly what Christ has purposed for us to do in every season of our life. When we know this, we can evaluate daily activities that might crowd out his primary goals for us and his purpose.
After the wall is complete, the people assemble and Ezra reads the law to the people. The people bow down and worship the Lord with their faces to the ground. Humble, private, individual, and corporate worship of christ brings restoration in our lives. When we surrender ourselves to Christ and praise Him, the weight of the world is lifted off our shoulders. We are new!
In summary:
Respond to peoples’ needs compassionately
Pray immediately to God
Speak to God, not your enemies
Every task needs prayer guard
Find people to guard you in prayer, personally
Be a generous advocate for poor and needy
Know God’s purpose for yourself
Surrender and say praises to God