Nehemiah 1

Good Morning “Spiritual Leaders.”  Today we start Nehemiah with chapter 1.  

First a little context, let’s set the stage.  It is said that Nehemiah was likely written by Ezra from Nehemiahs perspective.  At any rate, chapter 1 of Nehemiah picks up 12 years after the last chapter of Ezra.  Chronologically Nehemiah is the last book of the Old Testament.  Malachi prophesied during the time of Nehemiah.  Chronologically, after Nehemiah, the next events recorded in Scripture, happen in Matthew.  

So… as we begin, Nehemiah is still living in Persia with the last of the exiles that have not yet chosen to return to Jerusalem.  Everyone, including Nehemiah is likely curious to hear how the rebuilding is going.   Nehemiah’s brother returns from Judah so, Nehemiah asks him.  The report isn’t good.  The place is like the slums, with no protection from their enemies.  They are in distress - likely routinely raided by thieves and rebels.  

We are about to see how God raises up individuals to accomplish His work.  His revelation is your invitation.  What does that mean?  It’s like this… out of curiosity Nehemiah asks.  Through his brother Hanani, God reveals to Nehemiah there is a problem - while at the same time wrecking his heart regarding it.  

“When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.”
‭‭Nehemiah‬ ‭1‬:‭4‬ ‭NIV

Only God lays that kind of care on someone’s heart, for instance - his brother didn’t seem equally distraught.  So, Nehemiah prays to The Lord, referring back to Leviticus 26, asking that He keep the promise that He would restore Israel if they repented.  Furthermore he’s offering himself as the man to be used by God to bring it about.  He knew God had promised to do it, he just didn’t know through whom.  He wants the ball!  Put me in coach, I’m ready to play!  “Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man” vs11.  

Favor with what man, how? What was Nehemiah after?  Fame, fortune, success?  No way, the last verse says it all.  Notice he already held perhaps the highest position that a Jew could hold… he was the Kings Cupbearer.  That presents a problem.  You see as the Cupbearer - he didn’t get vacation time to go do ministry.  God was gonna have to move and move big to make Nehemiah’s participation possible.  

Nehemiah was moved to the point of not being able to sleep.  He couldn’t escape Gods call.  Thus he was praying earnestly for God to make a way to use him.

You’ll have to keep reading to see if and how God answers.  

For now apply this… when God reveals something to you that wrecks your heart, understand His revelation is your invitation.  No one seeks righteous things on their own… recognize God is already moving with purpose.  

Love you all!  Dig in!