Nehemiah is one of the great stories of the Old Testament. Chronologically, this story occurs about 1000 years after Moses leads Israel out of Egypt and 400 years before the birth of Christ. Israel has been destroyed and Jerusalem lays in ruins. The best and the brightest of God's chosen people have been carried away by their conquerors and have made new homes and new lives for themselves. Proof of those successful new lives can be read in Daniel as Shadrach, Meshach, Abnego and Daniel rise to positions of responsibility and authority in their new homeland. Esther becomes a Persian Queen. Many have no desire to return to the ruined nation that was once their promised land. 70 years after their forced deportation began, they are set free to return, but only about 2% or 50,000 chose to do so. When they arrive in the land of their fathers they find opposition and desolation. The story of Ezra who came in the 2nd wave of returnees tells the story of the rebuilding of the temple. Nehemiah's story is about making Jerusalem a place worthy to be called home as they rebuild her dignity by rebuilding her wall.
This story takes place about 150 years after the destruction of Jerusalem and about 15 years after Ezra's return and the rebuilding of the temple. Nehemiah like Daniel and Esther has risen to a high a trusted position in the Persian King's court. His the cup bearing to the king. He has daily access to the King. The king trusts him and relies on him in many ways. Nehemiah learns that Jerusalem, the city of David, is a city without walls and this knowledge drives him to his knees.
A city without a wall is a 2nd rate city. It cannot protect its residents from raiders and bandits. Nothing of real value can be kept their because of its susceptibility. It citizens and their possessions are always at risk. She commands no respect from her neighbors.
Nehemiah weeps before God and repents of Jerusalem's plight which is the result of Israel's failure to be obedient to God's edicts and commands. He repeats God's promise found in Deuteronomy 30 where God promises to scatter his people if they fail to be obedient, but he also promises to gather them back to this place that he has promised if they will turn from their wicked ways and worship him as God alone. He fasts and prays for many days. The king notices that Nehemiah is in mourning and he asks him what he can do to help him. Nehemiah speaks boldly and tells the king of the plight of his homeland and asks him to return him to Jerusalem armed with letters of permission and supplies to rebuild the wall that gives protection to Jerusalem. The king agrees. This reminds us that when we have made ourselves right before the Lord, that we should be bold in laying our needs before God for his blessing and before those who have the ability to help us honor God. Nehemiah did just that and a Pagan king helps to accomplish the will of God.
Nehemiah returns to Jerusalem and inspects the destroyed city wall and her gates. He assesses the ability of the remnant of Israel to do the work and when he has made appropriate plans he calls the leaders of the tribes and families and presents it to them for their consideration. They are ready to honor God with the gift of their labor. Each family does its part and adopts sections of the wall and gates to repair. Opposition comes from those who profit from the weakness of the city. They threaten and seek to ambush and frighten those who are laboring for the Lord, but Nehemiah is a wise leader who prepares for every possibility. The opposition cannot stand against God's plan and his people's eagerness to accomplish his will.
One of the things that I like about this story is how Nehemiah calls the people to an equal sacrifice. No man is exempt from laboring for the Lord, but he is not called to sacrifice the well being of his family. Equal sacrifice means doing our share and that which we are capable of doing. The wealthy have a greater responsibility because they have greater capacity. They are asked to forgive loans and dispense with the collection of interest. The poorest offers labor. All contribute. All sacrifice. It is not the same sacrifice, but it is proportional sacrifice. And the leadership of Nehemiah should be studied by all who seek to lead. He fed himself. he did not tax and become wealthy at the hands of those who worked even though he had the legal right to do so. Those who lead have responsibility to lead by example and to proportional sacrifice as well.
They labor together. They sacrifice proportionally. They support their leaders and their leaders lead in a righteous and godly manner. They provide mutual aid. Does that sound like God's instructions to the Body of Christ? It is indeed!! When we yoke ourselves together and season our plans with prayer and Divine Inspiration, nothing can keep us from accomplishing God's good works.
I hope you enjoy Nehemiah's story. It is a tale of obedience. And a tale of God's grace that is seasoned by the good hard work of God's people.
It is going to be a warm week. Find some time to walk in the sunshine and be blessed by God's goodness. Hope every Mama had a most blessed holiday.
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