Rebuilding The Gates

Nehemiah 2:17 KJV 1900

Then said I unto them, Ye see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach.

Rebuilding Revival Gates

INTRODUCTION:

Amidst the gaiety of the king’s court, Nehemiah’s sad face was quite conspicuous. He was in such soul agony that the king readily granted him his request to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the gates and the walls.

I. THE SHEEP GATE: CALVARY

The first gate these Israelites rebuilt was the sheep gate.

This sheep gate speaks of the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ where God’s Lamb was led to the slaughter, as predicted in Isaiah 53.

In our Christian activities, the entire spotlight must be focused upon Calvary.

II. THE FISH GATE: SOUL WINNING

The second gate mentioned was the fish gate, and of course this speaks of soul winning. My Lord said, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matt. 4:19)

III. THE OLD GATE: CONSECRATION

From the fish gate we go to the old gate which stands for consecration.

In Jeremiah 6:16 we read, “See, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein.”

Jeremiah 6:16 KJV 1900

Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.

Also in Isaiah 61:4 we are told, “They shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations.”

Isaiah 61:4 KJV 1900

And they shall build the old wastes, They shall raise up the former desolations, And they shall repair the waste cities, The desolations of many generations.

IV. THE GATE OF THE FOUNTAIN: THE HOLY SPIRIT

As we now come to consider the gate of the fountain, we realize this means the Holy Spirit.

He regenerates sinners and leads them to the world’s great altar stairs that slope through darkness up to God.

He makes believers feel their need of power and fills them with the fullness of God.

V. THE WATER GATE: THE WORD OF GOD

Is it any wonder Nehemiah wept when he came to the water gate or the gate of the Word of God?

The Devil’s armies have centered their attack upon this gate.

There can be no great revival without serious attention and devotion to God’s Word.

VI. THE EAST GATE: CHRIST’S COMING

As the children of Israel neared the completion of the wall they went to work on the East Gate which points us to the Lord’s second coming when the Son of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings.