Nehemiah

Good morning, happy Tuesday and blessings.

Nehemiah is the central figure of the Book of Nehemiah, which describes his work in rebuilding Jerusalem during the Second Temple period. If you’ve ever looked at a messy situation and thought, “someone ought to do something,” you’ll understand the passion Nehemiah felt for Jerusalem. He is one of the Old Testament’s heroes in terms of working out his faith “in fear and trembling” in the midst of a complex, difficult work situation. Like many of us today, Nehemiah was thrown into a task that was larger than what he could possibly accomplish on his own, and yet, his heart burned with a desire to see the job completed. However, when God wants to use you, nothing matter. What God requires is a humble heart and courage to do God’s work, God’s way. Three lessons I can identify from Nehemiah serving God.

First, he cares about the things of God. Notice Nehemiah was deeply concerned about God’s cause. One day while he was busy in the palace, he encountered a brother who had just returned from Jerusalem. He stopped and asked, “How are things going in the land?” “Not good,” was the response. When God opened the door for him to speak to the king, he didn’t mind asking for the king’s official help and protection along the route.  

Second, God leads different people different ways. God is not going to lead us all alike. He led Ezra back to the land with no support whatsoever, and He led Nehemiah with half of the Persian army with him. God will use both ways. What was true for them is still true for us: God will lead you one way, and He will lead me another way.

And third, God sees your faithfulness. The rebuilding of the walls and gates of Jerusalem was one of the greatest building projects we have ever heard of. What Nehemiah did was a tremendous thing, and it was a wonderful testimony of God working through individuals. It was hard work, and it took a lot of people.

Just as Nehemiah wept for the sad condition of Jerusalem, God looks for men and women today who will cry tears of sorrow, pray deeply, and carry a burden for the spiritual condition of the Church. Are you ready?

Blessings

Luis+