SCRIPTURE: NEHEMIAH 1
INTRODUCTION:
The book of Nehemiah records the history of the third return to Jerusalem after captivity. Nehemiah was a cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes. He gave up his job and went to Jerusalem in 44 BC almost 100 years after the return of the first exiles to repair the wall of Jerusalem. He encountered hardships and opposition in many forms. Among them are: ridicule, force, discouragement, fear, selfishness, guilt, slander, threats and sabotage. But Nehemiah organized the people and employed strategies to frustrate the enemies through prayer, encouragement and guard duty. Nehemiah stood firm and the walls were finished in 52 days.
After building the walls, Nehemiah continued to organize and register the people. He appointed gatekeeper, Levites and other officials. He led people to reaffirm their faith and serve God faithfully through religious revival.
NEHEMIAH’S PRAYER (vs. 1-12)
While Nehemiah was in the citadel of Susa, one of his brothers named Hanani and his men came from Judah. Nehemiah inquired them about the Jewish remnant that survived the exile. The men told him that those people were in great trouble and disgrace because the wall of Jerusalem was broken and its gate had been burned with fire. Upon hearing that, Nehemiah sat down and wept. He mourned, fasted and prayed for the people. He confessed their sins and asked God to listen to his prayer by granting him favor in the presence of the king.
THOUGHTS:
As a cupbearer, Nehemiah was close to the king and held a high position in the court. But he was concerned about his own people and asked his brothers for news about Jerusalem. When he heard the distressing news that the remnants were suffering shame because the wall broke down and the gates were burned, he was burdened. His heart was troubled and he wanted to do something to save the city. He wept and prayed for 4 months and offered himself to do something. So, when you encounter any problems, pray to the Lord. Ask God to give you wisdom and the ability to solve it. God has great power to help you.
Nehemiah looked for the right opportunity to tell the king about God’s people. He used his position as king’s trusted servant to intercede for his people. We can also use our present position to serve God.