What to do When God When God Calls us to Re-build
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What To Do When God Calls Us To Re-build!
Broken Down House - son , maybe should set sights on something more ambitious.
I though imagine turn that house into… hands so skilled … beauty of century home!
Aren’t you glad that that is how God sees us, sees our world!
Parts of our lives,maybe habits of prayer, habits of TV watching, family relationships, spending - re-building ; proimse to churches, even nations!
Started out grand building project - we wrecked it; global reconstruciton, take Christ who made it all, becoming part of that creation, - mastery = rebuilding
True of Tabernacle - David says I’ll build you a house, God says NO I’ll build you a dynasty a house,
from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel. And I will subdue all your enemies. Moreover, I declare to you that the Lord will build you a house.
eternal King, messiah come - Your Son David he’ll build me a house! we are the re-built tabernacle of David.
eternal King, messiah come - Your Son David he’ll build me a house! we are the re-built tabernacle of David.
“ ‘After this I will return, and I will rebuild the tent of David that has fallen; I will rebuild its ruins, and I will restore it,
This task that God’s people called to join in, each different role Nehemiah leader with burning zeal.
This work of re-building whether in creation, church, or in our own broken-down, slowly being repaired by Jesus lives, it is this work of re-building to which we are all called!
Listen to Jesus” I will build my church he says, build it iup edify it!
Same word that Paul uses with Ephesian elders
And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.
Do you get that Jesus by His Word Gospel is active in a worldwide rebuilding project, and He calls everyone of his servants to be part of it! Learn from Nehemiah how to discern your part in it!
HP: You must join God’s work of rebuilding by identifying with the suffering of God’s people and consecrating yourself to their service, for God’s glory.
1. Care enough to question.
Now this may seem too simple of a starting point but in our day and age it isn’t at all. Nor was it for this Nehemiah!
After finding out that it was the month of Kislev, April-May in the Persian calendar at that it 444BC, that is 20th year of Artexerxes reign, over 150y from when Temple destroyed exile, began; 70 years was up with Cyrus Persian took over, Darius ordered stop, allowed rebuilding of temple 516; Artexerses allows Ezra some 14 years before to go finish the temple and reorganize the people of Jerusalem. But it was hard going. Nehemiah’s brother Hanani comes back from Judah and Nehemiah is faced with a decision that changed him and this world forever! It’s a question we are all faced with:
Broken Down House - son , maybe should set sights on something more ambitious.
Broken Down House - son , maybe should set sights on something more ambitious.
I though imagine turn that house into… hands so skilled … beauty of century home!
I though imagine turn that house into… hands so skilled … beauty of century home!
Aren’t you glad that that is how God sees us, sees our world!
Aren’t you glad that that is how God sees us, sees our world!
Parts of our lives,maybe habits of prayer, habits of TV watching, family relationships, spending - re-building ; proimse to churches, even nations!
Parts of our lives,maybe habits of prayer, habits of TV watching, family relationships, spending - re-building ; proimse to churches, even nations!
Started out grand building project - we wrecked it; global reconstruciton, take Christ who made it all, becoming part of that creation, - mastery = rebuilding
Started out grand building project - we wrecked it; global reconstruciton, take Christ who made it all, becoming part of that creation, - mastery = rebuilding
True of Tabernacle - David says I’ll build you a house, God says NO I’ll build you a dynasty a house, eternal King, messiah come - Your Son David he’ll build me a house! Acts 15 we are the re-built tabernacle of David.
True of Tabernacle - David says I’ll build you a house, God says NO I’ll build you a dynasty a house, eternal King, messiah come - Your Son David he’ll build me a house! Acts 15 we are the re-built tabernacle of David.
This task that God’s people called to join in, each different role Nehemiah leader with burning zeal.
This task that God’s people called to join in, each different role Nehemiah leader with burning zeal.
This work of re-building whether in creation, church, or in our own broken-down, slowly being repaired by Jesus lives, it is this work of re-building to which we are all called!
This work of re-building whether in creation, church, or in our own broken-down, slowly being repaired by Jesus lives, it is this work of re-building to which we are all called!
Listen to Jesus” I will build my church he says, build it iup edify it!
Listen to Jesus” I will build my church he says, build it iup edify it!
Same word that Paul uses with Ephesian elders “Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.” Do you get that Jesus by His Word Gospel is active in a worldwide rebuilding project, and He calls everyone of his servants to be part of it! Learn from Nehemiah how to discern your part in it!
Same word that Paul uses with Ephesian elders “Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.” Do you get that Jesus by His Word Gospel is active in a worldwide rebuilding project, and He calls everyone of his servants to be part of it! Learn from Nehemiah how to discern your part in it!
HP: You must join God’s work of rebuilding by identifying with the suffering of God’s people and consecrating yourself to their service, for God’s glory.
HP: You must join God’s work of rebuilding by identifying with the suffering of God’s people and consecrating yourself to their service, for God’s glory.
1. Care enough to question.
1. Care enough to question.
Now this may seem too simple of a starting point but in our day and age it isn’t at all. Nor was it for this Nehemiah!
Now this may seem too simple of a starting point but in our day and age it isn’t at all. Nor was it for this Nehemiah!
After finding out that it was the month of Kislev, April-May in the Persian calendar at that it 444BC, that is 20th year of Artexerxes reign, over 150y from when Temple destroyed exile, began; 70 years was up with Cyrus Persian took over, Darius ordered stop, allowed rebuilding of temple 516; Artexerses allows Ezra some 14 years before to go finish the temple and reorganize the people of Jerusalem. But it was hard going. Nehemiah’s brother Hanani comes back from Judah and Nehemiah is faced with a decision that changed him and this world forever! It’s a question we are all faced with:
After finding out that it was the month of Kislev, April-May in the Persian calendar at that it 444BC, that is 20th year of Artexerxes reign, over 150y from when Temple destroyed exile, began; 70 years was up with Cyrus Persian took over, Darius ordered stop, allowed rebuilding of temple 516; Artexerses allows Ezra some 14 years before to go finish the temple and reorganize the people of Jerusalem. But it was hard going. Nehemiah’s brother Hanani comes back from Judah and Nehemiah is faced with a decision that changed him and this world forever! It’s a question we are all faced with:
For Nehemiah it went like this: Here I am in citadel Susa. Picture it luxurious pillared palace winter residence of King of Persia, , though essentially a slave, promoted to
For Nehemiah it went like this: Here I am in citadel Susa. Picture it luxurious pillared palace winter residence of King of Persia, , though essentially a slave, promoted to
Pretty cushy position, trusted cup-bearer to the King. Second in influence to the king.
Pretty cushy position, trusted cup-bearer to the King. Second in influence to the king.
Now lived in a time of materialism -like nobles in Jerusalem won`t put shoulder to work too busy seeking their own comfort to care!
Now lived in a time of materialism -like nobles in Jerusalem won`t put shoulder to work too busy seeking their own comfort to care!
Nehemiah could have done the same!
Nehemiah could have done the same!
NO different in our age today - age of selfish individualism, resless pursuit of personal comfort that we don`t have time for neighbours, community. Talk to computers but we become distant from each other. Crying need of hurting people, needs of the church open before us - and we too have a choice to make! Put on a plastic smile and just move on with life, or do I dare ask? Know if I really ask - get involved, going to have to care!
NO different in our age today - age of selfish individualism, resless pursuit of personal comfort that we don`t have time for neighbours, community. Talk to computers but we become distant from each other. Crying need of hurting people, needs of the church open before us - and we too have a choice to make! Put on a plastic smile and just move on with life, or do I dare ask? Know if I really ask - get involved, going to have to care!
And I questioned them: about the Jewish remnant ...and also about Jerusalem. v.2-3
And I questioned them: about the Jewish remnant ...and also about Jerusalem. v.2-3
Cares for Jerusalem, and God`s Word about it, and about good souls there!
Cares for Jerusalem, and God`s Word about it, and about good souls there!
Here is the question: Will I be so preoccupied with my own life that I refuse to look out at the world with compassion? Or like Nehemiah will I care enough to ask, and then open myself up to God to act?
Here is the question: Will I be so preoccupied with my own life that I refuse to look out at the world with compassion? Or like Nehemiah will I care enough to ask, and then open myself up to God to act?
Beyond organization and casual, relationships deep care, speak God’s Word into each others lives, serve each other.
Beyond organization and casual, relationships deep care, speak God’s Word into each others lives, serve each other.
Not how are you? But how dealing w; What are you dissatisfied with right now? What gives you joy in the last months? What are you turning to; What do you think? I noticed that…
Not how are you? But how dealing w; What are you dissatisfied with right now? What gives you joy in the last months? What are you turning to; What do you think? I noticed that…
What’s changed in oyour life? Be prepared to sit down w, coffee.
What’s changed in oyour life? Be prepared to sit down w, coffee.
Our conversations tend to be safe, self-portecting don’t let people in. Get beyond the casual - until people feel you “get me”. You are moved by the same feelings that moved me - deep sympathy!
Our conversations tend to be safe, self-portecting don’t let people in. Get beyond the casual - until people feel you “get me”. You are moved by the same feelings that moved me - deep sympathy!
How God has re-built in the past - Wilberforce, Newotn, slave trade, Lord Shaftsbury - orphan himself - looks a t child labour; John Howard , Chuck Colson =- Prison conditions - = to the person who notices and asks questions of you here! God’s people looking out with compassion - asking good question that draw them into deeply care for others!
How God has re-built in the past - Wilberforce, Newotn, slave trade, Lord Shaftsbury - orphan himself - looks a t child labour; John Howard , Chuck Colson =- Prison conditions - = to the person who notices and asks questions of you here! God’s people looking out with compassion - asking good question that draw them into deeply care for others!
But look what Nehemiah teaches us next! His immediate reaction to the news of his people’s trouble wasn’t “Oh here’s my 5 point plan I am going to go out and fix it!” No, his natural, immediate, spontaneous response was to look up: to bring those troubles into the presence of God through prayer.
But look what Nehemiah teaches us next! His immediate reaction to the news of his people’s trouble wasn’t “Oh here’s my 5 point plan I am going to go out and fix it!” No, his natural, immediate, spontaneous response was to look up: to bring those troubles into the presence of God through prayer.
Prayer saturated man, begins journal w first of 9 prayers, ends with four remember me petitions,
Prayer saturated man, begins journal w first of 9 prayers, ends with four remember me petitions,
Imagine if this was our response to any problems, before gave advice, before talked about it with others - brought it to God first! You can do more than pray, after you have prayed, but you cannot do more than pray until you have prayed.
Imagine if this was our response to any problems, before gave advice, before talked about it with others - brought it to God first! You can do more than pray, after you have prayed, but you cannot do more than pray until you have prayed.
2a. You must clarify your vision in prayer
2a. You must clarify your vision in prayer
v.4Some days mourned, fasted, prayed (3 months = Kislev-Nisan (August);
v.4Some days mourned, fasted, prayed (3 months = Kislev-Nisan (August);
Spends off duty-hours for several days. Fasting give up time you’d eat, 1/2hour, 1 hour there in prayer! And what does he pray? Starts with seeking what God would have him pray for!
Spends off duty-hours for several days. Fasting give up time you’d eat, 1/2hour, 1 hour there in prayer! And what does he pray? Starts with seeking what God would have him pray for!
Then specific petition formed and focused! How did God answer?
Then specific petition formed and focused! How did God answer?
You see it in v.5-7 But especially v.8 - the petition is going to come from God’s Word.
You see it in v.5-7 But especially v.8 - the petition is going to come from God’s Word.
Pray about why they ende3d up there - sounds like Moses, Solomon,
Pray about why they ende3d up there - sounds like Moses, Solomon,
Even more v.8 pray about my will that as they turn, repent - I will gather them.
Even more v.8 pray about my will that as they turn, repent - I will gather them.
A burning passion , a vision for God’s people,for Jerusalmem to be the place where His Name Dwells, A grouping of people whom He will re-gather and then dwell with them.
A burning passion , a vision for God’s people,for Jerusalmem to be the place where His Name Dwells, A grouping of people whom He will re-gather and then dwell with them.
This is the very clear specific vision that God gives Nehemiah to pray about.
This is the very clear specific vision that God gives Nehemiah to pray about.
He’ll do the same for you and me too - spend that time seeking His face,bringing the needs in prayer!
He’ll do the same for you and me too - spend that time seeking His face,bringing the needs in prayer!
Sort of praying that is always seeking to clarrify its vision of who and what God is, celebrate his reality in adoration, rethink in His presence such needs and requrests.
Sort of praying that is always seeking to clarrify its vision of who and what God is, celebrate his reality in adoration, rethink in His presence such needs and requrests.
2b. You must clarify your vision in prayer, not just by yourself, but also with others.
2b. You must clarify your vision in prayer, not just by yourself, but also with others.
Did you notice with whom Nehemiah was praying? His personal concern and personal prayer -overflowed into a public concern and prayer with others. How often pray with another…
Did you notice with whom Nehemiah was praying? His personal concern and personal prayer -overflowed into a public concern and prayer with others. How often pray with another…
This is how it seems to have worked in Nehemiah’s life: Imagine in it. Like yourself a couple close friends who revere the name of God. He shares his concern, asks pray for me about his. Pray with me. Passion for Jerusalem growing, in concert with the Word, feels the Spirit nudging him within - I’ve got access to this King - I don’t know anything about being a Govenor - needed night and day around the clock - but I could ask the king. Imagine him sharing it:
This is how it seems to have worked in Nehemiah’s life: Imagine in it. Like yourself a couple close friends who revere the name of God. He shares his concern, asks pray for me about his. Pray with me. Passion for Jerusalem growing, in concert with the Word, feels the Spirit nudging him within - I’ve got access to this King - I don’t know anything about being a Govenor - needed night and day around the clock - but I could ask the king. Imagine him sharing it:
All part of discerning God’s will for your life, for making decisions in step w Word and Spirit!
All part of discerning God’s will for your life, for making decisions in step w Word and Spirit!
This is the burden that God’s put on my heart, so friend what do ytou think? How about it.
This is the burden that God’s put on my heart, so friend what do ytou think? How about it.
Pray like persistent widow - 3months - like God’s testing the sincerity - clarifying that vision for them! burden on heart;counsel of others/ what do you make of it?
Pray like persistent widow - 3months - like God’s testing the sincerity - clarifying that vision for them! burden on heart;counsel of others/ what do you make of it?
Do you pray like that with anyone here? Look at what Nehemiah called his friends: these are your people, the people wyou have redeemed, “your servants who delight in reverencing your name”.
Do you pray like that with anyone here? Look at what Nehemiah called his friends: these are your people, the people wyou have redeemed, “your servants who delight in reverencing your name”.
Do you see that when you look in face of a friend family member here - person redeemed by God, partnering to do God’s saving work in this world with! Why need prayer partner, spouses, prayer meeting! Why record this = example that prayer changes things and that without praying there is no prospering!
Do you see that when you look in face of a friend family member here - person redeemed by God, partnering to do God’s saving work in this world with! Why need prayer partner, spouses, prayer meeting! Why record this = example that prayer changes things and that without praying there is no prospering!
And when connect to God’s people like we can then go deeper in God’s work of re-building.
And when connect to God’s people like we can then go deeper in God’s work of re-building.
3. Confess your sin with God’s People and Own it Together! V.11
3. Confess your sin with God’s People and Own it Together! V.11
As Nehemiah wrestled for a biblical view of the problem, God’s Word and Spirit did a work of conviction. There is sin that has resulted in the place we’ve ended up - bottom of our problems.
As Nehemiah wrestled for a biblical view of the problem, God’s Word and Spirit did a work of conviction. There is sin that has resulted in the place we’ve ended up - bottom of our problems.
When we are breaking God’s will, law, and not caryin gabout it, when we’re failing to live up to our calling! We have got to own that sin, mourn it, repent of it together!
When we are breaking God’s will, law, and not caryin gabout it, when we’re failing to live up to our calling! We have got to own that sin, mourn it, repent of it together!
And I’m not on a witch hunt to point out where all the others went wrong. NO what does he say? We Israelites, there’s no blame game here - more concerned about God’s will being done than who broke it the most. And he acknowledges He part of a people - regardless of which individuals did what - He’s part of a people - like members of a family , like members of a nation and we have done wickedly before God! I want to take responsibility for that - and seek to make ti right!
And I’m not on a witch hunt to point out where all the others went wrong. NO what does he say? We Israelites, there’s no blame game here - more concerned about God’s will being done than who broke it the most. And he acknowledges He part of a people - regardless of which individuals did what - He’s part of a people - like members of a family , like members of a nation and we have done wickedly before God! I want to take responsibility for that - and seek to make ti right!
What does he say, Not just We Israelites, but myself included and my father’s house! He is looking with in in penitence! This is the log/speck principle that Jesus taught - own a problem by saying Look both at fault but my repsonsibilty is to look at my part in the breakdown as the log, your’s as the speck!
What does he say, Not just We Israelites, but myself included and my father’s house! He is looking with in in penitence! This is the log/speck principle that Jesus taught - own a problem by saying Look both at fault but my repsonsibilty is to look at my part in the breakdown as the log, your’s as the speck!
Nehmiah later in the book acknowledge that he was charging interest to God’s own peole way he shouldn’t have, make the changes of repentance to deal with it!
Nehmiah later in the book acknowledge that he was charging interest to God’s own peole way he shouldn’t have, make the changes of repentance to deal with it!
There’s a word that illustrates this so well: Solidarity - 1980’s Poland - gov oppression, labour problems, Yaroslav Haclav - workers stand together, peacefully - bring change = Solidarity stand together!
There’s a word that illustrates this so well: Solidarity - 1980’s Poland - gov oppression, labour problems, Yaroslav Haclav - workers stand together, peacefully - bring change = Solidarity stand together!
Neehmiah is saying we need that solidarity in deali with Sin. That’s why Jesus wasn’t ashamed to call us brothers, no matter how descipable our sins, great our failings... Why He underwent the baptism of repentance for us! Let’s deal with the sin in our midst together! Find forgiveness together, let’s seek a new way together! Heb 2:10-11 = Jesus saying we’re n this together!
Neehmiah is saying we need that solidarity in deali with Sin. That’s why Jesus wasn’t ashamed to call us brothers, no matter how descipable our sins, great our failings... Why He underwent the baptism of repentance for us! Let’s deal with the sin in our midst together! Find forgiveness together, let’s seek a new way together! Heb 2:10-11 = Jesus saying we’re n this together!
What might that mean today in our churches? How often do we sit above it all judging, criticizing, as if we play no part in the problems of the church? Listen to J I Packer: We have all had a greater share in the church’s shortcomings and unfaithful nesses than we know, and we may not therefore treat such sense as we have of its failures as excusing us from the need to confess that we shared in the process of its failing...we can’t impatiently give up on the inst church...but to pray our concern at all times.
What might that mean today in our churches? How often do we sit above it all judging, criticizing, as if we play no part in the problems of the church? Listen to J I Packer: We have all had a greater share in the church’s shortcomings and unfaithful nesses than we know, and we may not therefore treat such sense as we have of its failures as excusing us from the need to confess that we shared in the process of its failing...we can’t impatiently give up on the inst church...but to pray our concern at all times.
Something powerful happens when God’s people confess sin, knowing self weakness and sins, we start like Nehemiah to exalts God who is greater than our sin, gather us change us!
Something powerful happens when God’s people confess sin, knowing self weakness and sins, we start like Nehemiah to exalts God who is greater than our sin, gather us change us!
4. Come to God Boldly with a Promise in Your Hand.
4. Come to God Boldly with a Promise in Your Hand.
This is the heart of intercessory prayer: we are to pray for what God has promised in His Word.
This is the heart of intercessory prayer: we are to pray for what God has promised in His Word.
This is the heart of responding to God’s covenant - to believe He is faithful - and plead for His promises to be realized in our lives!
This is the heart of responding to God’s covenant - to believe He is faithful - and plead for His promises to be realized in our lives!
So Nehemiah calls out with such hope: My God who keeps his covena tof love ... His pettion is “Remember” Not that God ever forgets, but He delights in people yearning, asking, responding to His covenant. Remember you told us: “but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.’Nehemiah 1:9
So Nehemiah calls out with such hope: My God who keeps his covena tof love ... His pettion is “Remember” Not that God ever forgets, but He delights in people yearning, asking, responding to His covenant. Remember you told us: “but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.’Nehemiah 1:9
Lord we’re returning, repenting, I’m going to risk my life livelihood to make a difference, so fulfill this now in our time!
Lord we’re returning, repenting, I’m going to risk my life livelihood to make a difference, so fulfill this now in our time!
Peronal Zeal - not fanaticism, not wildness not irrepsonsible enthusiams pushy EGOISM, “humble, revereant, business like singleminded comitment to the hallowing of God’s name and doing His will = Ryle “A zealous man in religino is predominatnly a man of one thing” = please God (not just hearty, wholehearted) Vs. Lukewarm Laodiceans drifting along cheerfully in becalmed churches
Peronal Zeal - not fanaticism, not wildness not irrepsonsible enthusiams pushy EGOISM, “humble, revereant, business like singleminded comitment to the hallowing of God’s name and doing His will = Ryle “A zealous man in religino is predominatnly a man of one thing” = please God (not just hearty, wholehearted) Vs. Lukewarm Laodiceans drifting along cheerfully in becalmed churches
And that brings us to the last thing Nehemiah teaches us to do when we join in God’s work of re-building!
And that brings us to the last thing Nehemiah teaches us to do when we join in God’s work of re-building!
5. Consecrate Yourself to Service
5. Consecrate Yourself to Service
What Nehemiah uses to describe himself and his friends six times in this short prayer: “Your servant” v. 6
What Nehemiah uses to describe himself and his friends six times in this short prayer: “Your servant” v. 6
Some 22 years ago went to Camp Shalom, studies this book - lnse of being ministry minded, servanthood.
Some 22 years ago went to Camp Shalom, studies this book - lnse of being ministry minded, servanthood.
This attitude this mindset this calling is at the heart of being used of God.
This attitude this mindset this calling is at the heart of being used of God.
Nehemiah wasn’t a prophet, priest or king, lay person among God’s people just like you. He is an example to us all of one who cared for God’s people, prayed with them, bore the burden of their sin in confession, and boldly claimed a promise of God. So doing he set apart his life in service to God!
Nehemiah wasn’t a prophet, priest or king, lay person among God’s people just like you. He is an example to us all of one who cared for God’s people, prayed with them, bore the burden of their sin in confession, and boldly claimed a promise of God. So doing he set apart his life in service to God!
Its true of you and me too isn’t it? We no longer belong to ourselves, but to Him died for us ...
Its true of you and me too isn’t it? We no longer belong to ourselves, but to Him died for us ...
All Xns are in the Xn ministry and thereby called to some form of service Rom 12:4-6, 1 Cor 12:7-11, Eph 7-16
All Xns are in the Xn ministry and thereby called to some form of service Rom 12:4-6, 1 Cor 12:7-11, Eph 7-16
God direst his servants to ministry tasks! Neh J rebuilder
God direst his servants to ministry tasks! Neh J rebuilder
Choruses from the Rock - each man to station;
Choruses from the Rock - each man to station;
Fan or Follower = book of acts -the disicples not church members! Followers of the Way, partners!
Fan or Follower = book of acts -the disicples not church members! Followers of the Way, partners!
“The building up of individuals is the winding down of individualism, for it si precisely the building of them into the communal network called the church!”over 150y from when Temple destroyed exile, began; 70 years was up with Cyrus Persian took over, Darius ordered stop, allowed rebuilding of temple 516; Artexerses allows Ezra some 14 years before to go finish the temple and reorganize the people of Jerusalem. But it was hard going. Nehemiah’s brother Hanani comes back from Judah and Nehemiah is faced with a decision that changed him and this world forever! It’s a question we are all faced with:
“The building up of individuals is the winding down of individualism, for it si precisely the building of them into the communal network called the church!”After finding out that it was the month of Kislev, April-May in the Persian calendar at that it 444BC, that is 20th year of Artexerxes reign, over 150y from when Temple destroyed exile, began; 70 years was up with Cyrus Persian took over, Darius ordered stop, allowed rebuilding of temple 516; Artexerses allows Ezra some 14 years before to go finish the temple and reorganize the people of Jerusalem. But it was hard going. Nehemiah’s brother Hanani comes back from Judah and Nehemiah is faced with a decision that changed him and this world forever! It’s a question we are all faced with:
For Nehemiah it went like this: Here I am in citadel Susa. Picture it luxurious pillared palace winter residence of King of Persia, , though essentially a slave, promoted to
Pretty cushy position, trusted cup-bearer to the King. Second in influence to the king.
Now lived in a time of materialism -like nobles in Jerusalem won`t put shoulder to work too busy seeking their own comfort to care!
Nehemiah could have done the same!
NO different in our age today - age of selfish individualism, resless pursuit of personal comfort that we don`t have time for neighbours, community. Talk to computers but we become distant from each other. Crying need of hurting people, needs of the church open before us - and we too have a choice to make! Put on a plastic smile and just move on with life, or do I dare ask? Know if I really ask - get involved, going to have to care!
And I questioned them: about the Jewish remnant ...and also about Jerusalem. v.2-3 ,
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.
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. 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.”
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.
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. 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.”
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.”
Cares for Jerusalem, and God`s Word about it, and about good souls there!
Here is the question: Will I be so preoccupied with my own life that I refuse to look out at the world with compassion? Or like Nehemiah will I care enough to ask, and then open myself up to God to act?
Beyond organization and casual, relationships deep care, speak God’s Word into each others lives, serve each other.
Not how are you? But how dealing w; What are you dissatisfied with right now? What gives you joy in the last months? What are you turning to; What do you think? I noticed that…
What’s changed in oyour life? Be prepared to sit down w, coffee.
Our conversations tend to be safe, self-portecting don’t let people in. Get beyond the casual - until people feel you “get me”. You are moved by the same feelings that moved me - deep sympathy!
How God has re-built in the past - Wilberforce, Newotn, slave trade, Lord Shaftsbury - orphan himself - looks a t child labour; John Howard , Chuck Colson =- Prison conditions - = to the person who notices and asks questions of you here! God’s people looking out with compassion - asking good question that draw them into deeply care for others!
But look what Nehemiah teaches us next! His immediate reaction to the news of his people’s trouble wasn’t “Oh here’s my 5 point plan I am going to go out and fix it!” No, his natural, immediate, spontaneous response was to look up: to bring those troubles into the presence of God through prayer.
Prayer saturated man, begins journal w first of 9 prayers, ends with four remember me petitions,
Imagine if this was our response to any problems, before gave advice, before talked about it with others - brought it to God first! You can do more than pray, after you have prayed, but you cannot do more than pray until you have prayed.
2. You must clarify your vision IN PRAYER
v.4Some days mourned, fasted, prayed (3 months = Kislev-Nisan (August, 2:1);
Spends off duty-hours for several days. Fasting give up time you’d eat, 1/2hour, 1 hour there in prayer! And what does he pray? Starts with seeking what God would have him pray for!
Then specific petition formed and focused! How did God answer?
You see it in v.5-7 But especially v.8 - the petition is going to come from God’s Word.
Pray about why they ende3d up there - sounds like Moses, Solomon,
Even more v.8 pray about my will that as they turn, repent - I will gather them. ,
Remember the word that you commanded your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the peoples,
Remember the word that you commanded your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the peoples,
Remember the word that you commanded your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the peoples, but if you return to me and keep my commandments and do them, though your outcasts are in the uttermost parts of heaven, from there I will gather them and bring them to the place that I have chosen, to make my name dwell there.’
but if you return to me and keep my commandments and do them, though your outcasts are in the uttermost parts of heaven, from there I will gather them and bring them to the place that I have chosen, to make my name dwell there.’
A burning passion , a vision for God’s people,for Jerusalmem to be the place where His Name Dwells, A grouping of people whom He will re-gather and then dwell with them.
This is the very clear specific vision that God gives Nehemiah to pray about.
He’ll do the same for you and me too - spend that time seeking His face,bringing the needs in prayer!
Sort of praying that is always seeking to clarrify its vision of who and what God is, celebrate his reality in adoration, rethink in His presence such needs and requrests.
2b. You must clarify your vision in prayer WITH OTHERS (not just by yourself,)
Did you notice with whom Nehemiah was praying? His personal concern and personal prayer -overflowed into a public concern and prayer with others. How often pray with another…modeled even in Lord Jesus’ life - pray with me!
This is how it seems to have worked in Nehemiah’s life: Imagine in it. Like yourself a couple close friends who revere the name of God. He shares his concern, asks pray for me about his. Pray with me. Passion for Jerusalem growing, in concert with the Word, feels the Spirit nudging him within - I’ve got access to this King - I don’t know anything about being a Govenor - needed night and day around the clock - but I could ask the king. Imagine him sharing it:
All part of discerning God’s will for your life, for making decisions in step w Word and Spirit!
This is the burden that God’s put on my heart, so friend what do ytou think? How about it.
Pray like persistent widow - 3months - like God’s testing the sincerity - clarifying that vision for them! burden on heart;counsel of others/ what do you make of it?
Do you pray like that with anyone here? Look at what Nehemiah called his friends: these are your people, the people wyou have redeemed,
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.” Now I was cupbearer to the king.
Do you see that when you look in face of a friend family member here - person redeemed by God, partnering to do God’s saving work in this world with! Why need prayer partner, spouses, prayer meeting! Why record this = example that prayer changes things and that without praying there is no prospering!
And when connect to God’s people like we can then go deeper in God’s work of re-building.
3. Confess your sin with God’s People and Own it Together! V.11b
As Nehemiah wrestled for a biblical view of the problem, God’s Word and Spirit did a work of conviction. There is sin that has resulted in the place we’ve ended up - bottom of our problems.
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.” Now I was cupbearer to the king.
let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for the people of Israel your servants, confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Even I and my father’s house have sinned. We have acted very corruptly against you and have not kept the commandments, the statutes, and the rules that you commanded your servant Moses.
When we are breaking God’s will, law, and not caring about it, when we’re failing to live up to our calling! We have got to own that sin, mourn it, repent of it together!
When we are breaking God’s will, law, and not caryin gabout it, when we’re failing to live up to our calling! We have got to own that sin, mourn it, repent of it together!
And I’m not on a witch hunt to point out where all the others went wrong. NO what does he say? We Israelites, there’s no blame game here - more concerned about God’s will being done than who broke it the most. And he acknowledges He part of a people - regardless of which individuals did what - He’s part of a people - like members of a family , like members of a nation and we have done wickedly before God! I want to take responsibility for that - and seek to make ti right!
What does he say, Not just We Israelites, but myself included and my father’s house! He is looking with in in penitence! This is the log/speck principle that Jesus taught - own a problem by saying Look both at fault but my repsonsibilty is to look at my part in the breakdown as the log, your’s as the speck!
Nehmiah later in the book acknowledge that he was charging interest to God’s own peole way he shouldn’t have, make the changes of repentance to deal with it!
There’s a word that illustrates this so well: Solidarity - 1980’s Poland - gov oppression, labour problems, Yaroslav Haclav - workers stand together, peacefully - bring change = Solidarity stand together!
Neehmiah is saying we need that solidarity in deali with Sin. That’s why Jesus wasn’t ashamed to call us brothers, no matter how descipable our sins, great our failings... Why He underwent the baptism of repentance for us! Let’s deal with the sin in our midst together! Find forgiveness together, let’s seek a new way together! = Jesus saying we’re n this together!
For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers,
What might that mean today in our churches? How often do we sit above it all judging, criticizing, as if we play no part in the problems of the church? Listen to J I Packer: We have all had a greater share in the church’s shortcomings and unfaithful nesses than we know, and we may not therefore treat such sense as we have of its failures as excusing us from the need to confess that we shared in the process of its failing...we can’t impatiently give up on the inst church...but to pray our concern at all times.
Something powerful happens when God’s people confess sin, knowing self weakness and sins, we start like Nehemiah to exalts God who is greater than our sin, gather us change us!
4. Come to God Boldly with a Promise in Your Hand
This is the heart of intercessory prayer: we are to pray for what God has promised in His Word.
This is the heart of responding to God’s covenant - to believe He is faithful - and plead for His promises to be realized in our lives!
So Nehemiah calls out with such hope: My God who keeps his covena tof love ... His pettion is “Remember” Not that God ever forgets, but He delights in people yearning, asking, responding to His covenant. Remember you told us:
but if you return to me and keep my commandments and do them, though your outcasts are in the uttermost parts of heaven, from there I will gather them and bring them to the place that I have chosen, to make my name dwell there.’
Lord we’re returning, repenting, I’m going to risk my life livelihood to make a difference, so fulfill this now in our time!
Some people want to turn to Nehemiah and find leadership principles, visioning principles, hwo to deal with discouragement - -but we will only be able to get Nehemiah’s vision and passion, if we know God the way that Nehemiah knew Him. The greatest reality in Nehemiah’s life was His God - called him that 10X MY GOD, Imagine it the God of heaven, great and awesome God, God of judgment and mercy, ruler of hiostory - He has boud HImself to Nehemiah and his poeple. Now, God has given HImself to Nehemiah and Nehemiah to God. How much more forus, when God has given himself to us in Christ, ought we to give ourselves to Christ and His service in our relationships, our churches, our community.
William Carey, pioneer missinoary, from cobbler - with leather map of the world. Stir his Baptist colleagues to confident action: Expect great things; attempt great things!
And that brings us to the last thing Nehemiah teaches us to do when we join in God’s work of re-building!
5. Consecrate Yourself to Service
What Nehemiah uses to describe himself and his friends six times in this short prayer: “Your servant” v. 6
let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for the people of Israel your servants, confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Even I and my father’s house have sinned.
Some 22 years ago went to Camp Shalom, studies this book - sense of being ministry minded, servanthood. Swindol - Hand Me Another Brick
This attitude this mindset this calling is at the heart of being used of God.
Nehemiah wasn’t a prophet, priest or king, lay person among God’s people just like you. He is an example to us all of one who cared for God’s people, prayed with them, bore the burden of their sin in confession, and boldly claimed a promise of God. So doing he set apart his life in service to God!
Its true of you and me too isn’t it? We no longer belong to ourselves, but to Him died for us ... We no longer belong to ourselves, but to Christ who died for us!
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
That is true zeal; not fanaticism or a pushy egotism, or an irresponsible excitement that turns out to be just a flash in the pan. But listen to how JC Ryle describes it: “Humble reverent, business like single minded commitment tot he hallowing of God’s name and doing His will.” A zealous man in religion is predominantly a man of one thing: (not just hearty f whole hearted, but PLEASING GOD!
All Xns are in the Xn ministry and thereby called to some form of service , , Eph 7-16
God direst his servants to ministry tasks! Neh J rebuilder
Choruses from the Rock - each man to station;
Fan or Follower = book of acts -the disicples not church members! Followers of the Way, partners!
“The building up of individuals is the winding down of individualism, for it si precisely the building of them into the communal network called the church!”
