Nehemiah 1:3

New International Version (NIV)

“Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.”

For Meditation

He didn’t have to concern himself with Jerusalem and the condition of the returnees, but he did. Nehemiah was born in exile and did not personally know Jerusalem and the rich temple worship. His knowledge was through history and the religious practices of his people in exile. But I am sure that like Moses, he had godly parents who taught him about God. He had gained the trust of King Artaxerxes I and risen to become the king’s cupbearer. In modern terms, Nehemiah was the king’s safety assurance officer for food and drinks. With that purview and responsibility in the courts of the Persian king, what did Nehemiah need and why should he concern himself with the affairs of Jerusalem?

The fact is, when your heart is after something, no matter how remote, your mind cannot refuse to wrestle with its challenges. Nehemiah was secure and prosperous in Persia, but his heart was with his people and Jerusalem.

Two groups had left since King Cyrus opened the door for the exiles to return and the temple was rebuilt. Formal worship was re-established, but the report he received said: “The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire” (Ne. 1:3). Something must be done; but what and how?

I don’t know what report you have received lately about your people and nation, but Nehemiah’s response to that heart-breaking report is a perfect model for any situation.

1. He responded immediately.
   • How promptly do you respond to a pressing situation?

2. He was burdened by the report.
   • Do you know that the fire of action is lighted in the depth of a broken heart?

3. He turned to God in fasting and prayer (5-11).
   • Who do you turn to in your hour of deep anguish and distress?

4. He confessed the sins of the nation and asked God to make him part of the solution.
   • Do you see yourself as part of the problem as well as the solution; or do you set yourself apart from them?

5. God gave him favor before the king, and he became the instrument of change for the Jerusalem Wall Rebuilding Project.
   • Do you see what God is waiting for to change the deplorable conditions and moral filth around you?

I pray that God burdens you with a situation in your family, community, nation, or the world that will move you to your knees before Him.

May He make you an instrument of solution when you call on Him; and may He favor you before any person of influence who holds the key to the solution.

Shalom