Revival in the Time of Nehemiah
To be a Jew in exile and learn that after roughly 100 years of returning groups that there is still no wall around Jerusalem must have been hard news to hear. Perhaps that's why Nehemiah spent so much time in prayer and fasting when he heard.
Why was having a wall such a big deal? Remember that in ancient times, a wall meant a lot more than privacy: it meant protection. To learn that the place of his fathers was still in disrepair and open to attack had to have been a serious blow.
After a time of reflection (roughly four months), Nehemiah had within his heart the desire to go and oversee the rebuilding of this city. Was it because Nehemiah was a caring person? Was it because he was an expert builder? Was it because Nehemiah wanted to be recognized as a great leader? I think Nehemiah tells us why he had this passion: He knew God was faithful to keep His promises. The promise? "...if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name."
For the month of August we're going to be looking at how Nehemiah's actions reflect our own when it comes to waking up and hearing the voice of God in our lives. I hope you'll join us here at FBC on Wednesday nights @ 6 p.m.! See you here.