Waiting For An Open Door

Nehemiah 2:1–10 CSB

During the month of Nisan in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was set before him, I took the wine and gave it to the king. I had never been sad in his presence, so the king said to me, “Why do you look so sad, when you aren’t sick? This is nothing but sadness of heart.” I was overwhelmed with fear and replied to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should I not be sad when the city where my ancestors are buried lies in ruins and its gates have been destroyed by fire?” Then the king asked me, “What is your request?” So I prayed to the God of the heavens and answered the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor with you, send me to Judah and to the city where my ancestors are buried, so that I may rebuild it.” The king, with the queen seated beside him, asked me, “How long will your journey take, and when will you return?” So I gave him a definite time, and it pleased the king to send me. I also said to the king, “If it pleases the king, let me have letters written to the governors of the region west of the Euphrates River, so that they will grant me safe passage until I reach Judah. And let me have a letter written to Asaph, keeper of the king’s forest, so that he will give me timber to rebuild the gates of the temple’s fortress, the city wall, and the home where I will live.” The king granted my requests, for the gracious hand of my God was on me. I went to the governors of the region west of the Euphrates and gave them the king’s letters. The king had also sent officers of the infantry and cavalry with me. When Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard that someone had come to pursue the prosperity of the Israelites, they were greatly displeased.

Nehemiahs Emotions

Verses 1-8 of this passage take place in the palace of King Artaxerxes. For four months Nehemiah prays, fasts and grieves. Nehemiah goes to God to understand his mind and seek his help.

a. Nehemiah was saddened by state of Jerusalem.

We often associate the Christian life with non-stop happiness. Most of you here tonight know the truth about that myth, right? I have actually felt depressed because I was depressed in the middle of some very verified grief.

How should Christians handle grief?

Anyone else like that? Somedays holding on to Jesus is just as much about surviving as it is thriving. We tend to forget that even the giants of the faith are human. Nehemiah was a fairly normal guy that felt sadness for four months. However, in his sadness…he went to the Lord with it all. He never felt defeated, his courage led to a plan and determination. Nehemiah had concealed his grief from this mighty Persian king.

b. Nehemiah was fearful of the king

If you were reading this passage without a lot of historical context, you might be asking the question, “why was Nehemiah afraid of Artaxerxes, he seems reasonable and perhaps even caring” well…he wasn’t. I believe this reveals how God had paved the way for Nehemiah, even in a blood thirsty ruler. Artaxerxes had a record of blood shed. Artaxerxes, under the advice of the assassin who killed his father, Xerxes, he killed his older brother to make sure he would be the one to rule Persia. After killing his brother, he avenged his father by killing his assassin. All that to say, Nehemiah wasn’t a fool to conceal his feelings for four months…he was prudent and waiting on the Lord.

Can God use fear in the life of Christians today?

II. Nehemiahs Courage

a. Nehemiahs courage enables him to speak the truth

When Nehemiah says, “may the king live forever!” this very well could have been how those in service to the king were commanded to greet the king. The statement is evidence and reflective of Nehemiah’s faithful service to the king. The proof was in the pudding, as they say. The honor Nehemiah gives the king gives Artaxerxes a listening ear. How believers conduct themselves before unbelievers will go a long way in gaining the ear of unbelievers when speaking about things concerning the kingdom of God. (Street preachers)

b. Nehemiahs courage comes from his dependance on God.

c. Nehemiahs Courage Enables him to communicate his desire to a known, blood thirsty king.

When the opportunity presented itself, Nehemiah was direct!

Nehemiahs courage results in favor with the king

Final thoughts:

What fears are keeping you from stepping out in faith and accomplishing God’s will for you?

I will make a bold statement: your prayer life is clear and true indicator on your dependency on God. So, what does your prayer life indicate about where you are placing your faith. Is it you that you are depending on or God?