READ: Nehemiah2:1-8
These verses give us a greater glimpse into
Nehemiah’s character. Nehemiah is a relatively unknown biblical character
compared to men like Joseph, Joshua and David, etc., but his resolve and
commitment to the Lord is as solid as any of these spiritual giants. He is a
man of incredible boldness – boldness that comes from a resolute trust in the
Lord. For four months, Nehemiah silently bears the weight of his grief. But the
time has come for him to make a bold request of the king. The story doesn’t
tell us when or how God explicitly put it on Nehemiah’s heart to go to
Jerusalem, but this passage is clear that Nehemiah firmly feels that God is
calling him on a mission to rebuild the city walls. It is because of this that
he can step out in boldness and make a request that could easily be taken as a
disloyalty. We see again how prayerful of a man Nehemiah is – while he is
conversing with the king he is appealing to God in heaven. And God gives him
favour with Artaxerxes! The king readily allows Nehemiah to leave his position
and go to Jerusalem. This answer to prayer encourages Nehemiah to make his next
request – that of resources for the building project. Again, the king responds
in his favour, showing (just as in the book of Ezra) that God can work through
anyone – even pagan leaders! – to accomplish His purposes!
JOURNALING
AND PRAYER
1. Ask the Lord how He wants to encourage you
personally through this portion of Nehemiah’s story.
2. Have you made a resolve to follow the Lord no matter what? As Christians, we must
come to a point where we draw a line in the sand and choose that there will be
no turning back. If not, we will remain immature and be tossed around by every
trial and wind of teaching (see Eph 4:14). The path of following Christ is not
easy – His path was extremely hard. Are you willing to follow Him wherever He leads you? Are you committed
to walk in His ways even when those around you are not? Are you willing to
stand up for His truth? Think about these questions. Think about the day when
you will stand before the Lord – what do you hope He will say to you? Ask Him
to help you walk closely to Him for the rest of your days.
3. What is something you feel God has called you to
do? Perhaps He has asked you to pour into a certain relationship, to forgive
someone, to invite someone into your home, to tithe more, etc. Ask God for
boldness to pursue this mission. Ask Him for favour where you need it. Thank
Him for His character and trust that He can accomplish His will for you!
