Rebuild the Wall - A word to Christian Teachers

Background - Zerubbable, Ezra Nehemiah

After babylonians destroyed jeruselum and took jews into captivity, they were eventually freed and the book picks up there (50yrs later)

Zerubbable - rebuilds temple

Ezra - Restores commitment to the Torah

Nehemiah - rebuilds the wall (clear in the book wall is re-built but not their hearts)

Outline

ID a problem & is distressed, saddened

Neh 1:3-4 “3 They said to me, “Things are not going well for those who returned to the province of Judah. They are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem has been torn down, and the gates have been destroyed by fire.” 4 When I heard this, I sat down and wept. In fact, for days I mourned, fasted, and prayed to the God of heaven.”

Maybe you look at the post-Christian world around you and diff messages being broadcasted in the local schools and you’re filled with despair, fear, worry, sadness

Matt 5:4 “4 God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Says this (not fear and despair but a biblical sadness) is one of the best starting places for us as believers to have the grounds for something new to flourish

Prays

Neh 1:5-11 Nehemiah prays

Takes Action

Neh 2:4-5 Nehemiah gets permission from the king

Neh 2:12 “12 I slipped out during the night, taking only a few others with me. I had not told anyone about the plans God had put in my heart for Jerusalem. We took no pack animals with us except the donkey I was riding.”

Rally’s the Israelites

Neh 2:17-18 “17 But now I said to them, “You know very well what trouble we are in. Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire. Let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem and end this disgrace!” 18 Then I told them about how the gracious hand of God had been on me, and about my conversation with the king. They replied at once, “Yes, let’s rebuild the wall!” So they began the good work.”

Neh 3, repeated phrase “the leader of the ____ district” (8x in this chapter “leader” 9x)

Neh 3 they work together all diff districts and roles to complete this good work

Y’all as teachers are the leaders the forerunners of equipping and impacting the next generation

Neh 4 They get mocked Neh 4:2 “2 saying in front of his friends and the Samarian army officers, “What does this bunch of poor, feeble Jews think they’re doing? Do they think they can build the wall in a single day by just offering a few sacrifices? Do they actually think they can make something of stones from a rubbish heap—and charred ones at that?””

Neh 4:8 not only mocked but physically threatened

Neh 4:16-17 “16 But from then on, only half my men worked while the other half stood guard with spears, shields, bows, and coats of mail. The leaders stationed themselves behind the people of Judah 17 who were building the wall. The laborers carried on their work with one hand supporting their load and one hand holding a weapon.”

Ya’ll are in a war, you may not have physical armor but have to be girded up and band together God has an amazing mission for you to do some rebuilding amidst a turbulent time and culture. Don’t grow weary! Lean on one another, protect one another, work with one another

John 13:35 “35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.””

Psalm 45:17 “I will bring honor to your name in every generation. Therefore, the nations will praise you forever and ever.”

Hi John, I love Nehemiahs call to action. He saw a problem, was distressed, and took action, verse 2:12--what God has put in his heart to do. There's alot of application there for teachers today, especially if you're called as a follower of Jesus Christ to the education mission field. Teachers, like N face opposition in light of the work they are called to do. The workers can become fearful and disillusioned. Verse 4:16...we are called to work together, being fully equipped and fully engaged.

Hope this helps. Blessings!