Nehemiah was a cupbearer to the king and held a position of trust and influence, but his heart was moved by what was happening in Jerusalem. In 586 BC, the Babylonian Empire, led by King Nebuchadnezzar, conquered Jerusalem. The Babylonians destroyed the city, including the Temple, the walls, and many homes. They also exiled many of God’s people to Babylon, marking the beginning of the Babylonian Captivity or Exile.
The destruction left Jerusalem in ruins. The city's walls were broken down, and its gates were burned with fire. This left the city defenseless and vulnerable to further attacks and pillaging.
After the fall of Babylon to the Persian Empire, King Cyrus the Great issued a decree allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple (as recorded in the Book of Ezra). Despite this, the city's walls and infrastructure remained in poor condition for many years.
When Nehemiah heard about the ruined walls and the distress of his people, he prayed and sought God's guidance, and he successfully led the effort to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
Nehemiah's story is one of vision, leadership, and unwavering faith, and his journey to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem teaches us several key lessons:
1 - Prayerful Preparation: Nehemiah began his mission with prayer. Before he took any action, he sought God’s favor and wisdom. This reminds us that we should start everything we do by seeking God's direction and blessing.
2 - Courage and Action: Despite the daunting task and the opposition he faced, Nehemiah stepped out in faith. He presented his plan to the king and mobilized the people. Faith in God often calls for bold steps of action.
3 - Community and Collaboration: Nehemiah didn’t rebuild the walls alone. He inspired and organized the community, showing the power of working together towards a common goal. In our own lives, we are often more effective when we work with others.
4 - Perseverance in the Face of Opposition: Nehemiah faced mockery, threats, and intimidation, but he kept going. He trusted in God and continued the work despite the challenges. This teaches us the importance of perseverance and trust in God's provision when we face obstacles.
SOMETHING(s) TO THINK ABOUT
Consider the areas in your life that might be in "ruins" or in need of rebuilding. Like Nehemiah, start with prayer, asking God for guidance and strength. Be courageous in taking the necessary steps to address these areas. Seek support and community, and don’t be discouraged by opposition. Trust that God, who began a good work in you, will carry it on to completion.
1 - What is one thing you are going through right now that you are struggling with?
2 - What do you need to do to get started?
3 - What do you need to do to keep going when it gets hard or you face distractions?
4 - Who is someone who can help you get started and help you keep going and stay focused through the tough times?
My Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the example of Nehemiah. Help us to be people of prayer, courage, and action. Give us the strength to rebuild the broken areas of our lives and to support others in their own journeys. May we always trust in Your faithfulness and provision. In Jesus' name, Amen.
For a printable PDF version of this post, click here: Nehemiah - Rebuilding with Purpose
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