Rebuilding Nehemiah 1 July 30/31, 2018

Report from Jerusalem

1 The words of Nehemiah the son of Hacaliah.

Now it happened in the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Susa the citadel, ² that Hanani, one of my brothers, came with certain men from Judah. And I asked them concerning the Jews who escaped, who had survived the exile, and concerning Jerusalem. ³ And they said to me, “The remnant there in the province who had survived the exile is in great trouble and shame. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are destroyed by fire.”  (Nehemeiah 1:1-3 ESV) 

Because of their disobedience, God allowed the Babylodians to destroy Jerusalem, the Israelite's holy city.  In fact most of the Jews had been exiled from the Promise Land and only a "remnant" were left in the area.  The first four chapters of the book of Nehemiah detail the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. 

Nehemiah's task was not an easy one.  He had to solicit financial support, connect with some important people, and battle opposition to the project.  But with God's assistance, guidance, and protection, the wall was repaired and the project a success.

Are there areas of our lives that need to be rebuilt?  Perhaps a relationship needs to be restored.  Or perhaps the spiritual disciplines are not as strong as they need to be.  Maybe your reputation at work needs to be rebuilt.  The story of Nehemiah and the wall contain some ideas that may be applicable to rebuilding our personal lives.

First- Admit there is a need.  In Neh. 1:3, Nehemiah receives a report that "the wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are destroyed by fire.”  While a broken relationship or compromised work reputation might not be as easy to recognize as the rubble of a broken wall, most of us have a sense then something in our lives is not right.

Second- This is perhaps the most important of all the steps.  Nehemiah's response to hearing the news is where all resotration begins.  "⁴ As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven."  (Neh. 1:4)      I see a man broken by what he learned.  He didn't simply toss a quick prayer God's way and run off to Barnes and Noble to get a self-help book.  He was as broken as the wall.

Third- He took responsibility for his part in the destruction of the wall.  "Even I and my father's house have sinned. ⁷ We have acted very corruptly against you and have not kept the commandments, the statutes, and the rules that you commanded your servant Moses."  (Neh. 1:6,7)  It is one thing to admit there is a problem.  However it is quite another to admit we are a part of that problem.  If all we do is look for the situation to improve or others to change, our walls are likely to remain broken.  

Fourth- Don't be afraid to let God know your request.  After Nehemiah's repentance and brokenness, he approached God with confidence.  ^"11 O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayer of your servants who delight to fear your name, and give success to your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.”  (Neh. 1:11)  All too often Christians are timid before the Lord.  We can approach the throne in confidence and boldness if done with a clear heart and humble spirit.  Hebrews 4:16 tells the believer, "¹⁶ Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

After we have recognized the problem, returned to God, and requested of Him, now we are ready to start to repair.  Stay tuned.