Nehemiah: Leader from 420-406 BC
Let
your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day
and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites, including
myself and my father’s family, have committed against you. Nehemiah 1:6 (NIV)
READ: Nehemiah 1-2, 6:15-7:4; 12:27-13:3
Nehemiah was a prominent Jew who
rose to very high office under the Persian emperor as cupbearer to the
king. When he heard about the situation
in Jerusalem with the walls broken down he wept, prayed and fasted before God. He approached the king with a very somber
disposition and asked to be allowed to take a leave of absence to go to his
homeland and help build the Temple.
Mentioning this to the king was extremely brave because if the king did
not like an idea then you could be beheaded.
Nehemiah took a great risk by asking to go. Fortunately, the king agreed and also gave
him an army contingent and materials to help with the work. Upon arrival in Jerusalem Nehemiah encouraged
the rebuilding of the walls, quickly the people joined him. The people worked tirelessly even though
their enemies were mocking them.
Nehemiah organized them into family units capable of defending
themselves as they continued to work on fixing the wall. Their work paid off and after only 52 days
the job was complete bringing a new sense of hope. Nehemiah’s decisions show wisdom and
forethought and his actions are marked with determination and courage. He rallied the people to rebuild the walls and all sections of the community responded
favourably. When attacked and mocked he
led the people with the knowledge of the assurance of Divine help. Nehemiah consistently led from a place of
prayer and action. He kept good watch
over the project and saw it to completion.
After the walls were sufficiently in place steps were taken to reorient
the Jews according to the Word of God.
They were made familiar with the laws of Moses, the temple service was
re-established and national purity was restored. Through Nehemiah’s life we see the fear of
God in his heart which took precedence over the fear of man.
JOURNALING AND PRAYER
1. Where do you feel weak in your faith?
2. Ask God how He wants to grow your faith this summer. What does He want to do in your heart?
3. Thank God for what He has shown you, and pray that it would become a reality in your life.
