Introduction

LESSONS FROM NEHEMIAH

Nehemiah: A man of prayer and work

INTRODUCTION The book of Nehemiah is the last of the historical books of the Old Testament. The subject matter concerns the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls and gates, but the book's lessons focus on the man God used to accomplish the work God gave him. Not having been born in Israel, he would have learned about his heritage from those willing to tell the next generation why they were a unique people, their history, and why God was so important to them. Nehemiah is, for the most part, an autobiography.

The biggest lesson to learn from this book is to face what kind of person I really am. Nehemiah's character reveals his patriotism and courage. He was enthusiastic, fearless, and not afraid of hard work. He knew the value and necessity of prayer, and he had reverential fear of God, knowing that God’s blessing is needed in any enterprise we attempt. His character is one we should seek to emulate. In spite of the high position he held in the Persian government, his heart was with the people of God, the city of his forebearers, and doing the will of God without reservation.

Unless we who know the Lord are willing to take the time to tell our children and grandchildren what we know about Him and why faith in Him is so important, the following generations will settle into a comfortable life in the world and perish in their sins. The son of the man whose name means "the darkness of the Lord" was Nehemiah, whose name means "the comfort of the Lord."

Failing to learn from past failures is likely to cause failure in the present and future generations. "Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning..." "All these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall." Our offspring are in danger of being lost if they do not have a clear and true understanding of our Lord God, and if they do not, in true repentance, fall upon His mercy for forgiveness and place personal trust in the Lord Jesus Christ alone as their Savior.

Nehemiah was in a comfortable position in the court of the king of Babylon. The circumstances of his life were what most people seek for comfort and satisfaction, yet this man was to be "the comfort of the Lord." He had learned that eternal things take precedence over temporal things and that spiritual things take precedence over physical things. Whoever influenced him in his early years, likely his own father Hachaliah, did a good job. Nehemiah's heart was where God's heart was. The temple was there, and the city of his forefathers needed him. When God has the heart of His servant, He can use that person to do great things in His work. His allegiance and patriotism to his heritage, and consequently to his Lord, changed everything in his life.

He had learned valuable lessons about commitment and leadership in the secular role he held in the king's court. He would have learned that carelessness in commitment could lead to the loss of others' lives and his own. He would have learned that those who lead others need to be aware of what is going on around them, both in circumstances and in the lives of those they lead. He would have learned not to be distracted by trivial things at the expense of what is important.

We learn from reading about this man that one who works for God has to see beyond himself and what he wants out of life to the condition of the people of God, the work of the Lord to which we are committed, and the state of the world we have been called to reach with the Gospel. We also learn the necessity of living in fellowship with God through prayer and of applying the word of God to the circumstances of our lives.

During the seventy years of captivity, the Jews had been threatened with extermination by Haman's edict, yet they had prospered. When the opportunity arose to return to their homeland, only a comparatively small number wanted to go. Nehemiah may not even have been born when Zerubbabel and Jeshua led the first group of 50,000 Jews to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. A few years later, Ezra and 2000 to 3000 people with him went to Judah and restarted the work, finally finishing the temple. Nehemiah was the third leader commissioned to build the wall of Jerusalem.

When we lose sight of what it means to be in the family of God as a citizen of heaven, we soon become like the people of the world who live for success, pleasure, and, for some, fame. An awareness of God at work in one's life makes the empty bubbles of earth seem of little value to those who live godly lives.

Like Nehemiah, if we are conscious of God at work in the world and know His presence is with us, it is natural to communicate with Him in prayer. Some of Nehemiah's prayers were only a few words, while others were longer and addressed broader interests and needs. When a child of God is not self-centered or overly concerned with his own interests, God gives him an understanding of what is important to our Lord. The condition of the Lord's people's souls, the furtherance of the Lord's work, and the need for strong leadership are all concerns to one who is in fellowship with God.

Our heartfelt interest and earnest prayer are prompted by concern for the unfinished work, both locally and abroad. An awareness of the condition of things in the world, the nation, and the assemblies of God's people motivates us to forget the comforts to which we have become accustomed, to deny ourselves, and to "take up the cross" of identification with Christ and His kingdom. When we are willing to go forward as laborers in the harvest, we are not hypocritical in "praying the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers into the harvest." When we are willing to be God's answer to our prayers, we will find others able to inspire still others to step out in faith and work for the Lord.

It is important for us, as Nehemiah did, to recognize the nobility and holiness of the Lord's work. Nothing is trivial when we are responsible for transmitting truth or engaged in other parts of kingdom work. To some earth-bound people, it seems foolish to leave comfortable circumstances and success to bring the Gospel to people who couldn't care less. Some people are seeking a reason for their own existence and don't know where to turn. Others have no concern because they have never clearly understood the reality of eternal existence in heaven or hell, or of a lost eternity.

Nehemiah had the objective of providing safety and security for God's people so clearly in his heart and mind that he could move forward despite opposition. He encountered outward opposition from those who did not want God's people to live separated lives, and there were also inward hindrances, but he persevered because he was confident that what he was doing had divine sanction. In all his activities, he gave God all the glory and credit for what was accomplished. That is one of the reasons for prayer. By expressing our desire for God and our need for Him in any endeavor, we place the whole enterprise in the hands of the only One who can make the outcome successful and right.

Through the practice of prayer, we become part of God's work. If we pray intercessory prayers on behalf of others, we share in the success of the work entrusted to them. Prayers of supplication are effective when we are specific in our requests and the objectives we anticipate. By communicating directly with God, who has "all power," we become part of what is beneficial and lasting. We rejoice with thanksgiving when we see and hear the answers to our prayers. Through our words of adoration and worship, we glorify God and display His honor to those in need of assurance and/or salvation.

Nehemiah is a model for us of one who honors God, is in communion with God, and is committed to God and His work. He cared for the physical and spiritual needs of God's people, whom he had only heard about. He applied the leadership principles he had learned and experienced. He was willing to forgo advancement and personal comfort for the problems, perseverance, and pain involved in the work of the Lord.

A person who is acquainted with the true condition of things around us will soon find himself engaged in self-denying labor for God and inspiring others to commit to the same work, knowing it is a sacred responsibility. It is a great privilege to be involved in the work of the kingdom of God with other Christians. Opposition from without and lack of interest from others will not disturb, disrupt, or dismay those who know they are doing the will of God. They will not seek credit for their labors or for any wisdom they possess, but will always GIVE GOD ALL THE GLORY!