Walls anyone??

Is anyone else amazed at the grace of God after reading Ezra, and now starting Nehemiah? The Jews were taken into captivity because of their sins against God, but now God has not just allowed them to return to their home land, but allowed them to return wealthier and more numerous than before. God has also moved the hearts of the Babylonian kings to provide them with protection, provision and restores to them the items stolen from the temple. How amazing. It just goes to show you that when God disciplines, restoration is always his goal.

While the temple of Jerusalem had been rebuilt and Ezra tended to the spiritual needs of the people in Jerusalem, the walls of the city were still in shambles. Why was Nehemiah so upset when he learned this? The city walls were the protection for the city from raiders as well as symbols of strength and peace. While I'm sure he was concerned for the well-being of his fellow countrymen, there was also an element of shame associated with broken down walls of a city. Because Jerusalem was God's city, the shame of the broken down walls didn't just reflect on the Jews, but God himself. How powerful was a God who's people lived in a city with broken down walls?

All of this moved Nehemiah to first of all, mourn and fast. Keep in mind that Nehemiah had probably never set foot in Jerusalem before. I believe his distress came from a heart united with God over the plight of his people. When was the last time you were so moved over the plight of others or their spiritual welfare that you actually mourned and fasted? I don't know about you, but I'm certainly convicted here...

Then, he prayed. Anytime prayers are recorded in scripture, I pay attention. I find it interesting that he didn't pray for a plan or even direction. He already knew what God wanted him to do. All he asked for was 1. Forgiveness 2. God to remember his covenant and 3. "favor in the presence of this man." Who was the man? None other than the King of Babylon...Nehemiah was cupbearer to the King. God had already put him right where he would be needed. Earlier this week Terry posted about politics and power. We've already seen that God's power is greater than the political powers or the power of Kings and nations. Here, and later, we're going to read about how God uses faithful men (and women!) he places in the service of pagan Kings to move their hearts. Question...where has God put YOU???

It was about four months between his prayer and Nehemiah's opportunity to present his request to the King. To me, that means that the "favor" he requested was more than just his request being granted. For four months and possibly even earlier, as cup bearer to the King, Nehemiah would have had opportunity to show his character and faithfulness, and earn the true "favor" of the king- a respect and trust. Our battles for the Lord aren't always won in one big "showdown"- often it's in the tiny day to day decisions we make. Nehemiah's actions from possibly years past are what set him up to be able to request to be able to go back and rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Note, he didn't get just a pass to go, but letters to provide safe passage, permission to use timber from the Kings forest and an armed guard consisting of officers from the King's army and cavalry! In all this, Nehemiah gives glory to God..."because the gracious hand of my God was upon me, the king granted my requests." God is certainly gracious, and shows it here!

Once arriving in Jerusalem, Nehemiah sets about motivating the Jews to rebuild the walls. I can imagine that previously it had seemed an incredibly daunting task. Jerusalem was a large city, and from what it sounds like, none of the walls were in any type of good condition. He encouraged the people by telling them all God had done for him in allowing him to come there. Sometimes visions just need to be shared! He also sets up a very efficient system for rebuilding the walls- that used anyone in the city willing to work. There were a few (3:5) who wouldn't help and thought they were above the work. Every group has some...and sometimes the best practice is just to ignore them so they don't drag the rest of the group down. Nehemiah enlisted everyone to simply be responsible for the part of the wall closest to their home or place of business. This meant that they didn't have to waste time walking to a more distant part of the wall, were able to keep their "day jobs," would probably be more motivated to work quickly and properly, and could defend their family incase of an attack. It also allowed the rebuilding to be a family affair. I love that one mans daughters got involved in the heavy lifting! When we all do part of the work, no one has to do all the work. It's an old testament example of the "body of christ" at work!

When we look at the world around us, the task of making a difference for Christ can seem so daunting. I pray that God will place a task on our hearts like Nehemiah. Remember, God has placed you where you are now for a reason. Be faithful there. God will provide (graciously!) for the task he calls you to! Remember it is for HIS glory...and may all of us be willing to do our part.

On a more personal note...I don't know what sort of captivity God may have brought you out of. When He graciously restores you (which he will!)...don't forget about your own personal "walls." We all have areas of spiritual weakness, where we are open for attack. Work on building them up and restoring them. Remember, God will (and has) provide the materials we need just like he did Nehemiah. It may require some practical steps on our part to actually USE them. There isn't a whole lot super spiritual about laying brick and mortar...but it still brought glory to God.

Be self-controlled and alert.

Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.

Resist him, standing firm in the faith

because you know that your brothers throughout the world

are undergoing the same kinds of sufferings.

1 Peter 5:8-9