People of the Promise: Exile & Return – Lesson 23

Nehemiah 1-3 

Nehemiah was a prophet and a high official serving as cupbearer in the Persian court of King Artaxerxes.  He gave up his job to become governor of Jerusalem.  He led the Jews in rebuilding the city walls.  His life provides a great example of leadership.  The book shows us the kind of significant impact one individual can have on a nation.  He was humble before God and didn’t claim glory for himself but always gave God the credit for his successes.  He demonstrated dependence on God and dedication to prayer.  He was wise, humble, hardworking, generous and committed to the holiness of the people of God.

Nehemiah’s Prayer – Nehemiah 1

Nehemiah heard bad news from Jerusalem.  The exiles who survived were back in Jerusalem and were in great trouble and disgrace.  The wall around the city was broken down and the gates were burned.  This was very troubling to him so he wept, mourned, fasted and prayed.

In his prayer he prayed about the following:

God’s character – God is the God of heaven and is great and awesome, He keeps His covenant of love with those who love and obey.

God’s people – Nehemiah confessed his sins and the sins of the Israelites; they had acted wickedly and had not obeyed His commands and laws.

Nehemiah’s desire – that God hear his prayer and give him success by granting him favor.

Nehemiah’s prayer revealed that he was a godly man and servant of God and of the people.  He was humble and had dependence on the Lord.  He knew if God would only listen and hear his prayer, God could help.

My desire is that I would always remain in the Lord and always follow His ways and not be influenced by the world.  I want to bear fruit and be an example to others.  I want to love others as He has loves me.

Principle:  Seek God’s guidance and act on His will when faced with challenging situations.

Nehemiah’s Request – Nehemiah 2

Nehemiah held a significant position in the king Artaxerxes’ court; he was the king’s cupbearer.  When he was serving the king wine, the king noticed that Nehemiah was sad.  The king asked what he was sad about.  Nehemiah became afraid for no one was allowed to be sad in front of the king.  Nehemiah knew what he was about to ask the king was very important and he didn’t know how the king would react.

In verses 7-9 Nehemiah showed wisdom by using good judgment and humility by praising the king before he told why he was sad.  He understood it wasn’t his place to change the king’s mind so he prayed and left it up to God.

He told the king that his home land of Jerusalem was destroyed and his city disgraced.  He asked for a time off to go to Jerusalem to rebuild it.  He also asked for letters of safe passage from the king.  The king agreed to his request and sent him along with army officers for protection.

God moved the heart of the king and sent Nehemiah to Jerusalem.  After 3 days there Nehemiah surveyed the broken wall.  He did this at night because he had not told the people that he would be rebuilding the wall.  Perhaps he was also fearful of some opposition.

Nehemiah gathered the priests and other officials and told them he wanted to organize the people to rebuild the wall.  He encouraged the people to start rebuilding by telling them that God‘s gracious hand was upon him and that the king had sent him.  They were inspired by his leadership and responded by saying, “Let us build the wall of Jerusalem and we will no longer be in disgrace”.

Of course there is always opposition when doing God’s work.  There were some who asked him what he was doing and asked if he was rebelling against the king.  Nehemiah answered saying, “The God of heaven will give us success.  We his servants will start rebuilding, but as for you, you have no share in Jerusalem or any claim or historic right to do it.” – Neh. 2:20.  In other words, go away and mind your own business.

Principle:  Spirit-led leaders should have courage of faith, constant prayer, and sacrificial service.

Building of the Wall – Nehemiah 3

Nehemiah organized the rebuilding of the wall by delegating different sections to diverse groups of people – priests, merchants, and various families.  All worked in unity.  They began with rebuilding the gates first since gates were the critical entry and exit points to the city.  The Sheep Gate is the first gate mentioned and the last gate mentioned which is symbolic that everything begins and end with the Cross. 

The Sheep Gate brings our attention that Jesus is the Lamb of God and represents how He was sacrificed for our sins on the Cross.  Jesus said, “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.” – John 10:9.

Principle:  Much can be accomplished if you align yourself with the will and the plan of God.

This chapter is a good example of teamwork and leadership.  There were all different kind of people including men and workmen, spiritual leaders and laymen, white and blue collar workers, talented and unskilled workers, young and old, all working together.  It shows the importance of being a good leader; Nehemiah was a good example. 

Leadership lessons from Nehemiah:

Identify the need.

Start with prayer.

Align yourself with God.

Realize that God’s plans are bigger and better than you can imagine.

Know that God’s plans for each person are different and every person has a role to play.

Turn to God seeking guidance and strength. 

Understand the importance of planning and delegating.

Work alongside the workers.

Have integrity and commitment. 

When faced with challenges, remain steadfast. 

Inspire and motivate the people.

Focus on giving God the glory.

Commit to obedience.

Next week we will continue our study in Nehemiah.  -- I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

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