Nehemiah vs 1:1-11
Sermon preached at Gospel Light Christian Church, Singapore
by Pastor Dr Paul Choo
on 24 April 2005
Nehemiah – “How to Build”
Introduction: Nehemiah re-built the walls of Jerusalem, with purely volunteer labor, lack of resources and strong opposition, in 52 days (6:15). Our little church building, with the help of professional architects, contractors and modern equipment, took 3 years to build!
For the past 3 months, we learned “practical Christian living” from James. For the next 3 months, we will learn “practical Christian building” from Nehemiah. Though the lessons are particularly useful for those serving in Christian ministry, they are also useful for all Christians because we are all builders too – of our lives (physical, mental, social and spiritual), careers, families and communities. The first 6 chapters of this book deal with the rebuilding of the walls. The second 7 chapters deal with the re-instruction of the Jews.
These events happened in445 BC when the walls of Jerusalem were still in ruins, though the first Jews returned from Babylonian captivity ninety years earlier. Let us learn the following lessons on building:
1. A humble man (v.1,11): Nehemiah calls himself “the son of Hachaliah.” However, in verse 11, he has to reluctantly reveal his occupation, as “the king’s cupbearer,” because it is needful to the understanding of the events in chapter 2. Though he was the trusted personal assistant of the most powerful man on earth, he did not mention this fact until it was absolutely necessary. He knew that his earthly connections were really more impressive than useful. We tend to get carried away with earthly honor and position. The most honorable and powerful position on earth is that of God’s “servant” (3x in verse 11). We need to “boast” of this position of ours (1Cor 1:31).
2. Broken lives (v.2,3): The Jews who had returned to Jerusalem were in poor condition (economically, socially, spiritually) and were in a visibly disgraceful condition. The walls of Jerusalem were broken down and the gates burned – symbolizing a helpless, defenseless position. As God’s people they were expected to live victorious lives that were strong against attacks and influences of the world. Today, the average Christian live defeated lives which are easily affected by worldly influences. Parts of the former greatness of the walls were still standing. There are areas of our life and ministry that are evidences of God’s grace; yet there are other areas that are disgracefully “broken down.” I believe that Nehemiah, as the king’s cupbearer, was not unaware of Jerusalem’s pitiful condition but in the busyness of his life he had not thought too much about it. God used his brother, Hanani, to wake him up to the need to do something about it.
3. God’s name (v.1,4): Nehemiah lived in unimaginable luxury in Shushan the palace yet he was concerned for God’s people and city though they were hundreds of kilometers away because God’s name was disgraced. Many Christians are more concerned with the honor of their football club than God’s house. Nehemiah was so passionate about God’s honor that he “wept and mourned certain days.” Most of us will be very upset when our honor is affected but few of us are concerned when God’s name is shamed. As Christians we must do our best to uphold our Father’s name.
4. Prayer (v.4-11): Nehemiah must have been overwhelmed by the magnitude of the rebuilding project. It was a humanly impossible task for him to do. The greatest power on earth is that of a humble man who earnestly prays for God’s glory to be done on earth. Nehemiah knew that “except the LORD build the house, they labor in vain that build it” (Psa 127:1). Let us learn eight lessons on prayer from Nehemiah:
(i) Seriousness (v.4) – Nehemiah knew that prayer was vital. So he fasted. Fasting, in and of itself, has no spiritual power. However, it helps us to be set apart from the cares of the world and to pray with less distraction (Mat 17:21). Unless we discipline ourselves and set apart a fixed time to pray, we will find that other activities will crowd out our prayer time and even when we pray we will be distracted by the cares of life.
(ii) Reverence (v.4,5) – Nowadays, there is too little reverence for God. As Christians we have boldness to come to God’s presence through the Blood of Jesus Christ (Heb 10:19), so we tend to come irreverently. We need to remind ourselves that we are praying to the God of heaven, the awesome (“terrible”) and holy God. Unless we know that God is awesome, we cannot really expect much from Him.
(iii) Persistence (v.6) – Nehemiah prayed “day and night” because he knew that God honors persistence. If we are serious with God, He is serious with us. Our sincerity when we ask for something is measured by our persistence (Luke 18:1-5).
(iv) Confession (v.6,7) – Nehemiah was not personally guilty but was conscious that he was part God’s family and therefore was confessing for the sins of his family members (1Cor 12:26). He did not excuse himself or lightly confess (“we have dealt very corruptly”). Avoid these types of confessions to men: "Perhaps I was wrong;." "Maybe I could have tried harder;" “Possibly I should have waited to hear your side of the story;" "I guess I was wrong when I said those critical things about you;" "I shouldn't have lost my temper, but I was tired."
(v) Claiming God’s promises (v.8,9) – Nehemiah knew God’s Word and could confidently claim God’s promise (found in Deut 30:1-5). Unless we know God’s promises, we cannot claim them. Many people think that God has promised to answer our prayers (if they are made in faith). If this is true than God is our servant and we are masters.
(vi) Praying for God’s honor (v.10) – Nehemiah was concerned for the condition of God’s people because their condition affected the honor of God’s name among men.
(vii) Congregational prayer (v.11) – Nehemiah knew that God is pleased when we pray together (Mat 18:19,20). Furthermore, we need to encourage each other to pray.
(viii) Specific prayer (v.11) – Nehemiah prayed specifically that God would touch the heart of the king. Unless we ask specifically we will not really know if God answered our prayer. The best encouragement to prayer is an answered prayer.