Bible Study - Nehemiah (2) - Plan - Nehemiah 2:1-18 - July 29, 2018

Bible Study – Nehemiah (2) – Plan – July 29, 2018

This is lesson two (2) in our series entitled “Nehemiah: Building a Life of Service.”

Our focus scripture is Nehemiah 2:1-8, 17-18.

Serving GOD requires intentionality.

How do we approach issues that need to be addressed? How did Nehemiah address the issues that he faced? Let’s explore!

Let’s read Nehemiah 2:1-5a:

Nehemiah Sent to Jerusalem

1 During the month of Nisan in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was set before him, I took the wine and gave it to the king. I had never been sad in his presence, 

The month of Nisan corresponds to our March/April time period. It was the first month of the Persian New Year.

When GOD calls us to obediently serve HIM, when opportunity opens, take it. We must be on the look-out for the opening.

Nehemiah knew he would be in the presence of the king because he would be serving the king wine. Nehemiah likely had been upbeat when he was in the presence of the king. But this day was different. Nehemiah had a heavy heart and the king picked up on Nehemiah’s sadness.

2 so the king said to me, "Why are you sad, when you aren't sick? This is nothing but sadness of heart." I was overwhelmed with fear 

3 and replied to the king, "May the king live forever! Why should I not be sad when the city where my ancestors are buried lies in ruins and its gates have been destroyed by fire?" 

The king gave Nehemiah the opportunity and opening for Nehemiah to share what was on his heart. It is natural to have fear when we tread into the unknown. But the key is that Nehemiah had bathed GOD’S call to him in prayer. He had confessed his sins and the sins of his father, his ancestral lineage and the Jewish nation. He knew with certainty that GOD had called him to go to Jerusalem to rebuild the wall even though the Jews who lived there had tried to rebuild the wall for 100 years.

It was a daunting task but Nehemiah had confidence and trust in GOD.  

4 Then the king asked me,

Let’s read Nehemiah 2:5b-8:

"What is your request?" So I prayed to the God of heaven 

5 and answered the king, "If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor with you, send me to Judah and to the city where my ancestors are buried, so that I may rebuild it." 

Nehemiah was taking a huge chance by asking the king to send him to Jerusalem to rebuild it. The king had issued orders, earlier, for all work to rebuild the walls surrounding Jerusalem to stop at the request of surrounding forces. He issued such a decree and the work ceased. Now, Nehemiah asked for the king’s permission to rebuild the walls.

Why would Nehemiah take such a risk? Nehemiah had faith in GOD and GOD’S assurance of HIS leadership. What more do we need wen GOD leads us to that which HE desires. Those living in Jerusalem had tried to rebuild the walls and temple for over 100 years but failed. Why? Were those attempting to rebuild working in their power and strength? Certainly, it is clear that Nehemiah was being led by GOD. This was not some notion he came up with. It all began with a broken heart that a physical structure, the temple, the walls surrounding Jerusalem and the gates into Jerusalem had been destroyed. It was a disgrace to GOD’S people and to GOD.

JESUS taught HIS disciples that they were the salt of the earth and the light of the world. We Christians who know the truth are the salt of the earth and the light of the world and as such when others see our lives what do they see? Do our lives reflect the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit or do our lives reflect our failed attempts to run our lives in our own strength according to our will and purpose?

As Christians, ask the Holy Spirit to examine your lives and reveal to you the truth that our lives reflect.

6 The king, with the queen seated beside him, asked me, "How long will your journey take, and when will you return?" So I gave him a definite time, and it pleased the king to send me. 

Nehemiah responded. Doing so revealed that Nehemiah had given his request serious thought. Being properly prepared when we plan a task is vital to its and our success. Prayer and planning go together.

7 I also said to the king: "If it pleases the king, let me have letters [written] to the governors of the region west of the Euphrates River, so that they will grant me [safe] passage until I reach Judah. 

8 And [let me have] a letter [written] to Asaph, keeper of the king's forest, so that he will give me timber to rebuild the gates of the temple's fortress, the city wall, and the home where I will live. "The king granted my [requests], for I was graciously strengthened by my God. 

Notice how gracious Nehemiah is toward the king “If it pleases the king.” In other words, “I have thought this matter through but I recognize and acknowledge you as king and your perspective is important and vital to me. What do you think about what I have just told you?” This reflects the humility of Nehemiah toward the king, which comes from his humility toward GOD.

GOD does not like a haughty attitude. Proverbs 18:12:

12 Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.

                                                                                                                  

Let’s read Nehemiah 2:9-16:

9 So I went to the governors of Trans-Euphrates and gave them the king’s letters. The king had also sent army officers and cavalry with me. 

10 When Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard about this, they were very much disturbed that someone had come to promote the welfare of the Israelites.

Nehemiah personally took the letters to the governors responsible for the region surrounding Jerusalem. We learn that Sanballat and Tobiah, two governors in the region, did not want to see anyone helping the Israelites.

Often, when people are down, many do not want to see them get a helping hand to stand. But the concerns of some of the surrounding area leaders did not deter Nehemiah. Why do you think Nehemiah proceeded with the plan to restore the walls even though there was opposition?

Nehemiah Inspects Jerusalem’s Walls

11 I went to Jerusalem, and after staying there three days 

To me it is interesting that Nehemiah studied the situation for three days. Any thoughts about why three days? Could it have been a foreshadow of the three days JESUS was among the dead before GOD resurrected HIM? GOD was leading Nehemiah to lead others to restore the walls surrounding Jerusalem.  

12 I set out during the night with a few others. I had not told anyone what my God had put in my heart to do for Jerusalem. There were no mounts with me except the one I was riding on. 

Another interesting foreshadow related to the crucifixion of JESUS as we read in 1 Corinthians 2:6-8:

6 We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 

7 No, we declare God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. 

8 None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

Nehemiah needed this time for him to have no distractions while he studied the situation and sought the wisdom of GOD and possible input from trusted associates. We do not know but, my guess, that as Nehemiah assessed the situation he was praying and seeking GOD’S guidance and input.

13 By night I went out through the Valley Gate toward the Jackal Well and the Dung Gate, examining the walls of Jerusalem, which had been broken down, and its gates, which had been destroyed by fire. 

14 Then I moved on toward the Fountain Gate and the King’s Pool, but there was not enough room for my mount to get through; 

15 so I went up the valley by night, examining the wall. Finally, I turned back and reentered through the Valley Gate. 

16 The officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing, because as yet I had said nothing to the Jews or the priests or nobles or officials or any others who would be doing the work. 

Often, it is wise to keep our plans to ourselves until they are complete in your mind before we share them. Firm plans, confirmed by GOD are the path forward whether you are rebuilding a physical wall or a life dedicated to obediently serving GOD. Once we have thought through our plans in the presence of GOD, we can share them with trusted friends or associates mainly to see if we have overlooked something.

Let’s read Nehemiah 2:17-18:

17 So I said to them, "You see the trouble we are in. Jerusalem lies in ruins and its gates have been burned down. Come, let's rebuild Jerusalem's wall, so that we will no longer be a disgrace." 

Who are the “them?” Verse 16 identifies “them.” “Them” are those who have been trying to rebuild the walls without success. Nehemiah had surveyed the situation from all directions and came to the conclusion that step one was to rebuild the walls and the gates to Jerusalem. In essence, Nehemiah seemed to be saying to those who had attempted to rebuild Jerusalem, you folks have been going through the motions of attempting to reestablish worship in Jerusalem and rebuild the physical structure. But look at it. You have been working in your own strength. Does Jerusalem represent the GOD you worship? No! Jerusalem is a disgrace. Is the GOD of Israel reflected in the ruins you see around you? No! When we obediently restore the walls and gates, it will be a message to all that our GOD is magnificent and worthy of worship. So let’s get started.

18 I told them how the gracious hand of my God had been on me, and what the king had said to me. They said, "Let's start rebuilding," and they were encouraged to [do] this good work.

Nehemiah follows his challenge with an example that GOD desires for the walls and gates to be rebuilt. GOD has provided the materials; we must use them to glorify GOD as we put our faith to work for all to witness.

GOD had already worked to provide what was needed through the cooperation of the king. Despair and lack of confidence in GOD was replaced with renewed vigor and faith in GOD to get the job completed. “Let’s start rebuilding!” Does a strong commitment mean smooth sailing ahead? We will see as our study continues next week.

Blessings!!!