The Nehemiah Complex

Background

The book of Nehemiah and the book of Ezra are historically connected in many ways, as they were both written within Israel’s captivity under the nation of Ancient Babylon under the rule of King Artaxerxes I (The 5th King of Persia).

Nehemiah found himself in the position of the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes. In modern times this Hebrew man found himself in an enemy nation in the King’s Court aka The President’s Cabinet. He had access greater than most of the entire nation and was TRUSTED to make sure that whatever the King ingested was free of any poison or malcontent.

This alone sets the stage for something amazing. Even though the author is unknown, Ezra seems to be one believed to have written this book. Now Lets eat.

The Setup

Nehemiah who’s name means “comforted by God” is confronted by his brother Hunani in the capital city of Persia which is Susa that being modern day southern Iran. Knowing who they were he inquired, How is Jerusalem doing? How is home?

The answer he got wasn’t the answer he wanted. Home was in ruins. The walls were broken down and the gates to the city were burned. That which he held such hope for was now in disrepair.

What he did next was shocking to me. He cried and fasted and prayed. Such a high ranking official in a foreign land who had all right to march into the King’s chambers and make demands...... He fasted and prayed.

Your concern should push you to pray

The Release

In his prayers he REMINDED God of the relationship he has with his chosen people. He kept it in the forefront of his mind that the blame was one them BUT still if you could just move on the heart of the King.... Oh King of Kings maybe success will find me.

Your atmosphere may determine your circumstance but it should never diminish your excellence.

Because of the level of excellence Nehemiah showed in the presence of the King

The favor preceded the request

When your conviction pushes you to move then the permission comes with the provisions needed to start and complete your journey

We have all been in an unfamiliar space and have been asked to perform and live in uncomfortable territory all year but God is asking, In the midst of the the uncomfortable for you best AT ALL TIMES.

Showing excellence in what you do opens doors for you by those who go against or chose to question what you believe to show favor to you. No because of who you serve (Nehemiah was afraid to ask at first but showing his heart to the King illuminated his track record and unlocked favor that would have been unattainable to the common man)

You never know what doing it scared can produce. It all depends on your WHY.

A complex is a system of interrelated, emotion charged ideas, feelings, memories, and impulses that lead to abnormal behavior.

PREACH