Building the Future Studies in Nehemiah
"BUILDING THE FUTURE"
Studies in Nehemiah
Term 3, 1995
1. SPIRITUAL BROKEN-HEARTEDNESS
Study Passage: Nehemiah 1:1-11
* Introduction: During these next two months our Sunday morning services will be focussing on the story of Nehemiah. However we will be looking for lessons, models and applications for our own situation here as we seek to plot our course towards the 21st century. We want to be an effective kingdom-agent in God's hands in the new century. However, our thinking, planning and preparing begin now. Whether we like it or not, agree with it or not, regret it or not the old order is passing away. We must know what we are aiming for, what course we are following in preparing for the future God has for us. Nehemiah's prayerfulness, his preparedness and his practical leadership all contributed to the success of his venture. Session would like housegroups and individual persons to work through these weekly study guides, and would appreciate hearing from you about your perceptions about how we should be going about "Building the Future".
* Background: The Book of Nehemiah recounts the events of what some describe as the third return of the exiles after the fall of Jerusalem [586 BCE]. Zerubbabel led the first return [538] and the people settled down but neglected the restoration of the temple [cf Book of Haggai] and the temple was not restored until 516. Ezra led the second return in 458 while Nehemiah arrived on his wall-building mission in 445.
The land of Israel is still under the control of Babylon. While life seems to be going on as normal the destroyed walls have not been repaired. Does it not seem important? Is it a low priority for the citizens? The broken down walls represent physical devastation, national disarray, spiritual indifference and religious disobedience. Jerusalem always represents more than the national capital - because of the Temple and its ceremonies it was the religious centre. It was Zion, the city of God, the Holy One of Israel.
The walls represented power and protection, security, safety and peace. The continuing ruin of the walls and the insecurity of the city was devastating news for Nehemiah to hear. Notice the specific reference to the reports of the walls and gates [3]. Compare the idea of these walls being "salvation" and the gates "praise" - cf Isaiah 60:18. Instead of Jerusalem being secure, it was vulnerable; instead of a place of glory and a testimony to God's praise, it was a ruin and an affront. We see how played his part in building the future.
* 1. His Anguish of Spirit:
Consider the picture of the devastation of the city of God - the ruined walls, the burned gates. In what ways do you think legitimate parallels can be made with our personal spiritual lives, with our congregational life, or even with the whole Church up and down our land at present? Is there busyness, complacency, indifference.
See how immediately and intensely his emotions were engaged.
# he mourned
# he fasted
# he prayed
All this was done in the presence of God - "before the God of heaven" [4].
* DISCUSSION POINT: How important or relevant is intensity of spiritual feeling - or the lack of it - for us in our situation?
* 2. His Agony in Supplication:
See how his intensity ofd feeling comes through in his prayer. See how -
# he affirms God as the sovereign Lord and the covenant-God
# he confesses the sins of the people of Israel, their faithlessness and disobedience
# he reminds God of His word and His promises of restoration and renewal if the people will repent
There is real confession of sin and true repentance. We can almost feel Nehemiah's pain. If spiritual walls are to be rebuilt today, we need to learn to pray like this! We taslk of the great worldwide prayer movement. We have heard reports of it from GCOWE in Korea earlier this year. What signs can we see that it is touching New Zealand - or ourselves. What lessons are there from the three weeks of praying and waiting last year?
See Nehemiah's "solidarity" with his countrymen - he speaks of "we", not "they". There is also the further step of personalizing the responsibility for the situation occurring and being put right - "I and my father's house".
* DISCUSSION POINT: How can we begin to feel the pain of the church's plight - and help others to feel it too?
* 3. His Attitude to Service:
Like Nehemiah, we must remind ourselves the work and the people are God's. God is not indifferent. Nehemiah recognised he has a responsibility, something to do. He commits the enterprise to God. He does not rush ahead.
* DISCUSSION POINT: How can we motivate our people to serve God in a time of great transition and help build the future
"BUILDING THE FUTURE"
Studies in Nehemiah
Term 3, 1995
2. OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS!
Study Passage: Nehemiah 2: 1-10
* Introduction: The times are already changing. The changes in society are already impacting and affecting the church. Ourdesire in "Building the Future" is for Greyfriars to be as diligent and effective in mission, witness and service in the coming century as it has been in the 20th century. Ideas, attitudes, mindsets are all changing - and we need to get ready, to retool if you prefer, to be God's kingdom-agents in a new situation.
Nehemiah was stunned, dismayed and distraught by the news he had heard. For all his eagerness and willingness to become involved, he was a court official serving an absolute monarch. He couldn't just apply for "leave of absence" on the appropriate form and go off to do his own thing! He waited for his opportunity. When it came, he grasped it. Notice some factors surrounding the moment of opportunity.
* 1. The Persistence he displayed:
# He had patience. It could not have been easy, but he waited. He did not rush ahead. From Kislev [1:1] to Nisan [2:1] is some 3 months. For all his sense of urgency and and agony of spirit, he bided his time.
# He prayed. Is there a link between the "some days" [1:4] and this three month's gap? Do you think 1:5-11 is the burden of his praying over some days or over three months?
# He trusted God. When the time came Nehemiah was honest enough to say, "I was very much afraid" [2:2]. Later he records, "Then I prayed to the God of heaven, and I answered the king". In life there can be fear - but faith should be alongside it! See the outcome!
* DISCUSSION POINT: In our Building the Future at what points will FEAR come into the situation? Is it present already? What is it we fear? How will FAITH help us? Note Colossians 4:2 [Living Bible].
2. The Practicalities he considered:
He had been praying. Clearly he had been doing something else. It would seem prayer and planning are not mutually exclusive in the Lord's work. What evidence is there in the passage that Nehemiah had already been giving some thought to what he would do
when the king gave a favourable reply?
* DISCUSSION POINT: What can we as a church learn from Nehemiah at this point?
* 3. The Provision he acknowledged:
The preliminary stage of Nehemiah's venture has proved almost unbelievably successful. In success we tend to propose a vote of thanks to ourselves for our cleverness, daring, creativity or whatever. Nehemiah gives credit to God [8b]. In what ways had God prevailed for Nehemiah and answered his prayers?
* DISCUSSION POINT: How important is it for us not only to pray to God but to give Him praise, thanks and glory?
* 4. The Perception he evidenced:
For the first time [2:10] the narrative hints at the opposition waiting on the wings, which will feature dramatically as time goes on. Sanballat and Tobiah are mentioned. They will be joined by others, figuring prominently and persistently in the record. See how the reaction is instinctive and immediate. Nehemiah's mission to Jerusalem is in its very initial stage, yet the word is out among the opposition. Nehemiah is not so carried away by the sense of success, joy or hope that he is not alert to the danger already threatening beyond the horizon. His comments make this plain.
See how the forces of opposition are not merely in the areas of principles and power-plays but are located in persons. Similarly, the work of God is focussed in persons - here Nehemiah - and their willingness to respond in faith, vision and obedience. We are told Sanballat and Tobiah were "displeased" [RSV] by the news - "highly indignant" [GNB], "vexed" [NEB]. It "grieved them exceedingly" [KJV]. "They were very much disturbed" [NIV] and "very angry" [LB].
* DISCUSSION POINT: Do we take the possibility/probability of spiritual opposition seriously enough - or not? See 1 Corinthians 16:9.
"BUILDING THE FUTURE"
Studies in Nehemiah
Term 3, 1995
3. COMMUNICATIONG THE VISION
Study Passage: Nehemiah 2: 11-20
* Introduction: Nehemiah has arrived in Jerusalem. Given the ruin of the city and his agonising burden for the place and the people, how can he begin to motivate others. For all his leadership abilities he cannot do the task alone. How can he raise up people who have been paralysed by disappointment, frustration and a sense of fatalism - there's nothing they can do to change the situation? How can he rally others to become involved in Building the Future?
* 1. The Reconnaisance he made:
Notice the factors of his initial time in Jerusalem -
# three days when he did nothing [11] - or what do you think he was doing?
# he kept his own counsel about what he intended. This is stated twice [12, 16]. Any suggestions why he acted in this way?
# his personal survey of the situation [13-15]. He explored the walls, the damage, the requirements for himself.
** DISCUSSION POINT: What practical lessons for our own efforts at "Building the Future" can we learn from Nehemiah's actions here?
* 2. The Review he presented:
It is only after he has done all this preliminary work that he begins to talk to the people in Jerusalem! Notice that his communication includes the facts - all of them:
# the ruin and destruction in Jerusalem
# the spiritual significance of the situation - "trouble", "in disgrace" [17]
# the challenge to commitment and action - "Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem"
# his personal testimony [18] of what God is already doing!
** DISCUSSION POINT: Share with one another some experience YOU have had of a vision being communicated to you. What were the marks of that sharing - what sticks in your memory?
* 3. The Response he received:
* Enthusiasm - "Let us start" [18a] A key indicator of responsiveness is when people talk in terms of "us" rather than "you" or "they"! What happened to the "cold water" brigade? Don't worry they will soon appear.
* Dedication - not only in terms of words but in actions - "they began this good work" [18b]
* Derision - the opposition also responds [19]. How well informed the enemies were! The original makes plain the mockery and ridicule have strong spiritual connotations. There is also an edge to the laughter in the suggestion that the motive of it all is not renewal and restoration but rebellion.
** DISCUSSION POINT: Why do you think our Dedication so often stops with words, sentinments and feelings, and fails to carry over into actions?
* 4. The Reliance he demonstrated:
See how Nehemiah's reply was not based on the political authority of his royal appointment. It stemmed from the spiritual authority of his divine commission.
# His confidence in God is unwavering - "The God of heaven"
# His resolution is unfaltering - "we his servants will..."
# His judgment is uncompromising - he draws a line between the servants of God and the enemy [Sanballat and co] - "but as for you..."
** DISCUSSION POINT: In what ways can you see verse 20 as containing principles of response for us today? OR pray together in terms of "the God of heaven will" and "we, his servants, will".
"BUILDING THE FUTURE"
Studies in Nehemiah
Term 3, 1995
4. TEAM WORK!
Study Passage: Nehemiah 3: 1-32
* Introduction: Enthusiasm and Dedication, and even spiritual fervour, are all very well in their place. Getting down to practicalities can be something different. How do you organise such a task? At first sight this looks like a daunting, uninteresting chapter. Don't be put off because it sounds like a cross between a catalogue of names and a job sheet. That's exactly what it is! What can we possibly learn from this old list? We can see how Nehemiah accomplished his task. Remember it was accomplished in 52 days [6:15]. We learn something of how it was organised and how people were motivated to get on with the good work.
Clearly, it is not an exhaustive list, but a general picture of how it was done. We are told Malkijah [11] worked on a second section, but there is no reference to his first section. Notice the account begins with the rebuilding of the Sheep Gate [1] and concludes with a reference "to or as far as the Sheep Gate" [32]. The list has taken us right around the whole project.
Facing any task we need to assess our resources - personnel, materials, financial, time, skills, etc - and then we need to deploy our resources appropriately and wisely. Notice the strategy that was used:
* 1. The big job was broken down into smaller, achievable tasks. Notice the references to specific projects or jobs - eg repairing/restoring the Sheep Gate; and to clearly defined sections of the wall - eg "a thousand cubits/five hundred yards as far as the Dung Gate" [13]. For many people the "big vision" can incomprehensible at best and paralysing at worst. It seems an impossible dream. Yet when broken down into its component parts - suddenly the smaller task is both manageable and achievable.
* 2. Nehemiah organised groups who could relate well to one another to work together on the wall.
a. Families worked themselves on the restoration or were responsible for its being done [3 etc].
b. Groups with a common interest did the same - eg the priests, the goldsmiths, the perfumers and the merchants [1, 18, 31].
c. People from the same locality or small towns and villages in the immediate vicinity worked together as teams [see 5, 7, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, etc].
* 3. Many people undertook the responsibility for that part of the wall close to their own homes.
How often the phrase occurs "over against/opposite his house" [10]. How often do we overlook an achievable Kingdom-task lying to our hands to do?
** DISCUSSION POINT: What has Nehemiah's utilization of his resources to say to us in our task of "Building the Future"? How can we apply these same principles in our situation today?
** CONCLUDE by PRAYING for such unity in relationships, purpose and action here in Greyfriars.
"BUILDING THE FUTURE"
Studies in Nehemiah
Term 3, 1995
5. PROGRESS AND OPPOSITION
Study Passage: Nehemiah 4: 1-23
* Introduction: The challenge has been presented and the vision shared. With real enthusiasm and practical commitment it has been taken up by the people. "Let us rise and build!" We have seen with interest the breakdown of the grand venture into smaller, more achievable units, as well as the strategy of allocating the work on sections of the wall. Now, in the midst of the intense activity of rebuilding - what do we find? Chapter 4 points up for us some very interesting insights into spiritual work.
* 1. The Venom against the Work:
In chapter 4 [and later] we find that as the work progresses, so the opposition intensifies. We have the picture of Sanballat and the others almost beside themselves with anger.
# they ridicule the efforts of the builders
# they rail against them - taunting them
# they "plot" [NIV] and "conspire" [KJV] against Jerusalem
# they desire to "fight against" Jerusalem
# they want to "hinder it" [KJV], to "stir up trouble" [NIV]
against it, and to "cause confusion in it" [RSV]
** DISCUSSION POINT: How might some of these tactics be used today to hinder the work of of the Kingdom of God in the world?
* 2. The Vexations within the Work:
Meanwhile, within the city and around the walls, how are things going with the builders? Having begun with the lofty vision, deep dedication and practical resolution, how are they persevering? Notice when things threatened to turn sour. It was when they were halfway to their goal [6] and work was well on the way to success. Is there a lesson here for us to heed? See how verses 10-12 illustrate how things threatened to come unstuck.
* Discouragement - having worked so hard and so well, people became weary in spirit [10]. Did they feel the task too much, the time too long or the demands too great?
* Disappointment - It was "Judah" who felt this way. Some might well think that this was the very group which should have been leading the way - an example to others. What a
blow it must have been to Nehemiah [cf Genesis 49:10a].
* Distractions - the grapevine or the fifth-column was busy in Jerusalem with all kinds of stories, scares and rumours [11]. There were constant threats [12]. There was a growing sense of worry and fear [14 GNB]
** DISCUSSION POINT: What kind of "rubble [NIV] or "rubbish" [KJV] might be hindering us, and will require clearing away in order to build the future [10]?
* 3. The Vigour for the Work:
The summary in verse 6 catches the attitude and activity of the builders. They persevered despite the taunts of Sanballat. They stuck with it in the face of every insult.
# they had energy - "the people had a mind to work" [KJV]. They bustled about everywhere, even later under very real threats.
# They had enthusiasm - "the people worked with all their heart" [NIV]. By personal example, Nehemiah was everywhere. Meanwhile the burdenbearers carried with one hand and had a weapon in the other [17].
** DISCUSSION POINT: In "Building the Future" how can we find and maintain such Kingdom-eagerness in the face of many difficulties?
* 4. The Vigilance in the Work:
"Pray and Work" was the motto of the monks in old time. Nehemiah seems to have had that maxim too.
· "We prayed to our God and posted a guard" [9]
· Nehemiah was prepared - he mentions weapons: swords, spears, and bows, as well as breastplates [13, 16] Where had they come from?
· Nehemiah organised the defence of the walls. He had good tactics. They stood behind the lowest parts of the wall, the vulnerable points - but they were also visible. Sanballat would know the defenders were ready to repel attackers. What other organisation did he make?
· Nehemiah constantly encouraged the people - notice his little watchwords or slogans: "Don't be afraid of them", "Remember the Lord", "Our God will fight for us". They were constantly on the alert [22-3].
** DISCUSSION POINT: In our ministry of building how can we move from playing games to being on red alert?
"BUILDING THE FUTURE"
Studies in Nehemiah
Term 3, 1995
6. INFIGHTING AND INTEGRITY
Study Passage: Nehemiah 5: 1-19
Introduction: Nehemiah's journal provides a faithful record of the project. It includes the record of achievements, the machinations of Sanballat and his cronies and the blemishes that spoil the catalogue of vision, dedication and perseverance. It would be easy to adopt a romantic view of the rebuiilding, but Nehemiah is too much of a realist for that. Ther journal records the division and dissension - no differences are papered over. We are shown the difficulties of the situation - the real cost in "blood, sweat and tears".
1. The Resentment Nehemiah heard: [1-5]
The work has apparently been going forward apace with success and speed, diligence and dertermination, in spite of Sanballat and co. However, under the surface discontent has built up to bursting point. Now it erupts in anger and outrage. In spite of their privation the outcry is not directed against Nehemiah. They are having a struggle economically - barely subsisting - due directly in part to their working so magnificently on the walls.
# poverty and hunger [2]
# mortgaging fields, vineyards, olive groves, etc [3]
# borrowing money to pay taxes [4]
The result of this oppressive situation was that many were having their children taken into debt slavery [cf Exodus 21:1-11] They did not mind sacrifice in order to restore the walls, but others were taking advantage of the situation for personal gain. They felt they were being disinherited in their own land. They were sacrificing, paying as heavy cost, and orthers were getting a fat profit out of it.
* DISCUSSION POINT: Dissension can hinder any work of God. What kinds of dissension do you consider we could fall prey to at the present time?
2. The Rebuke Nehemiah gave: [6-13]
Nehemiah was also angry, but he considered the matter deeply [7] before a large assembly of the people. His anger stemmed from the fact that those engaging in this outrageous practice should have known better, should have shown greater sensitivity to the real predicament of their people. They were the nobles, the officials, the leaders of the community. More, Nehemiah alleges, they had not redeemed their fellow countrymen from foreign slavery only to be dispossessed in their own land and sold all over again! That would be tragic irony. Silence was the mark of conviction in the gathering. Relief to the burdened and restoration to the dispossessed quickly and solemnly followed [12,13]. Notice how praise follows from practical penitence [13b].
* DISCUSSION POINT: How does this incident bear on what is our understanding about God's concern for justice and equity?
3. The Righteousness Nehemiah evidenced: [14-9]
In this section Nehemiah recounts the principles on which he acted during his tenure of office as governor of Judah. Look ast the integrity of this man:
# he saw leadership in terms of service rather than personal
privilege or domination.
# he was mindful of the Lord and His requirements - "out of
reverence for God, I did not act like that" [15].
# he concentrated his whole attention on the great task of
rebuilding - "I devoted myself to the work on this wall"
[16a].
# his goal was the completion of the task rather than
personal gain and profit [16b]
# he was sensitive and alert to the need around him [18].
* DISCUSSION POINT: What lessons in leadership can we draw from the integrity of Nehemiah?
"BUILDING THE FUTURE"
Studies in Nehemiah
Term 3, 1995
7. DOING A GREAT WORK
Study Passage: Nehemiah 6: 1-16
* Introduction: Once more in Jerusalem the work is going forward with a will. However, again the opposition intensifies. Remember there is always something else? As one problem or obstacle is overcome another arises! Chapter 6 sees a shift in their tactics. Hitherto the opposition has been directed at the builders and the situation generally. Now the objective is more personal. The target is Nehemiah himself.
1. How Devious the Adversary!
Having tried the threat of military might, Sanballat, Tobiah and co now adopt a change of strategy - but no change of mind or purpose. Now there is the touch of subtlety - the guise of friendship and diplomacy. Recall that Satan can go about as a roaring lion to devour [1 Peter 5:8], or as an angel of light to delude [2 Cor. 11:14]. For Nehemiah now, in rapid succession, the devices were:
# Personal [2-4] - "Let's have a personal meeting to straighten this whole thing out" A top level round table conference is proposed. They want him to compromise. See the pressure of the repeated invitations.
# Political [5-7] - The "open letter" in itself is a calculated insult. The rumours contained in it carry the earlier accusations of rebellion against the king [2:19] even further. It alleges that Nehemiah proposes to proclaim himself king in Jerusalem!
# Religious [10] - Masquerading as a prophetic message he is urged to seek sanctuary in the Temple, because hired assassins are coming to kill him. Had he given in to this, he would have been branded a coward and lost all credibility as a leader.
** DISCUSSION POINT: In what ways do you think individuals can be attacked or be put at risk today?
2. How Discerning the Answers!
Again Nehemiah is resolved not to be deflected from his high purpose or distracted from his real work in Jerusalem. See again his personal integrity in his response to Sanballat's wiles; but there is spiritual perception as well.
* He sees that they are trying to stop the work [3]. Her resists the temptation to be talking about the work rather than actually getting on and doing the work!
* He sees that they are trying to make him sin and so discredit him in the eyes of the people of Jerusalem. Thus, his support would fall away. You can't be a leader with no followers! The work would come to a halt.
** DISCUSSION POINT: "Why should the work stop?" asked Nehemiah. What kinds of "reasons" can make us stop our Kingdom-work today?
3. How Dedicated the Attitude!
* See his prayer [9b] "but I prayed, 'Now strengthen my hands"
Nehemiah always takes time to pray - even, or is it especially?, in tight spots or tricky situations.
* See his perseverance - four times he responded to Sanballat's invitation. "I am carrying on a great project" [NIV] "I am doing a great work" [KJV]. That is not presumption or pride or arrogance or boasting. It is a matter of spiritual perspective and priority! It is a statement of attitude and purpose - "so the wall was completed" [16].
* See his praise - the glory belongs to the Lord [16b].
** DISCUSSION POINT: Share with one another the thing which strikes you most strongly about Nehemiah in this chapter.
GREYFRIARS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Minister REV. JOHN OLIVER EVANS
REBUILDING THE WALLS
STUDIES FROM NEHEMIAH
8. HEARING THE WORD
Passage: 8:1‑12
Introduction: Nehemiah’s great burden has been for rebuilding the walls. Their trials and difficulties have bound the people together. Now as they celebrate their successful completion of the task, a new opportunity opens up. Surely Nehemiah's other great burden, was to restore the people to the Lord. Think again of some of his prayers to God and his statements to the people. There are some difficulties with the remaining chapters of the book - notably what fits in where. Suffice to say that in the total picture of the extended celebration there are the following components:
1. Recovering the Word of God
This is particularly clear in ch.8. This is the emphasis and the priority. “The first day of the seventh month” was in fact the ancient Jewish New Year. If the dedication of the walls (12:27‑43) took place following the solemn assembly of ch. 9, then we have the picture of a new beginning among the people of God.
* Ezra read from the Scriptures for half a day! (3)
* Emphasis on understanding the word (see 2,3,7,8,12)
* The people were attentive (3)
* There were those who "helped the people to understand" (7), who “gave the sense/meaning” (8), and who “taught” or “instructed” the people (9).
* The next day, there was a group leaders’ training session “in order to study the words of the law” (13)
* The people rejoiced in their new understanding of the Word (12)
As they heard, received, understood and applied the Word ‑ so they reinstituted the Feast of Tabernacles (8:14ff).
DISCUSSION: How can we describe ourselves as a church in perceiving, receiving and responding to the Word of God?
2. Realising the Holiness of God
The Scriptures convey something of the majesty and holiness of God. As we read them, his power and glory, his love, faithfulness and mercy break through to us. We are overwhelmed.
· There is brokenness ‑ "all the people wept" (8:9) now, as earlier Nehemiah had wept (1:4)
· There is confession ‑ notice in 9:1‑5 the confession and worship follow on from the reading of the Law.
· There is repentance ‑ how solemn it is ‑ how serious their purpose ‑ fasting, sackcloth and the people separated themselves from non‑Israelites.
· There is worship ‑ It is directed to the Lord their God (3, 5).
DISCUSSION: How can we help one another to worship with “holy awe” today?
3. Remembering the Goodness of God
Ezra’s prayer of praise and penitence (9:6-37) acknowledges God’s faithfulness and the people's faithlessness. Notice it mentions Abraham, the Exodus, the wilderness and the peoples' presumption and rebellion. We do not live in isolation as the people of God. We have a history - yes even in this congregation. We live in a continuum of Christian faith and experience. We learn from the lessons of the past. We do not exalt empty tradition ‑ but need to appreciate valued principles.
DISCUSSION: Share with one another something from “the past” which has been a lesson, help or blessing to you.
4. Renewing the Covenant of God
What is the outcome of it all? Through the word too, they recover what it means to be the people of God.
* A new obedience ‑ they set it out and sealed and signed it. Nehemiah’s was the first name ‑ again the principle of leaders modelling spiritual truth.
* A new dedication to the Lordship of our God (cf.12:43). The whole focus of activity is “to Lord”.
* A new strength for the ongoing tasks, fuelled by joy. See 8:10, cf 12:43.
DISCUSSION: Is your ministry/service for God a weariness or a joy to you?