READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l In Nehemiah 1, we read about how Nehemiah received a compelling burden after hearing Hanani’s report of Jerusalem in ruin. Nehemiah was so moved that he mourned, fasted, and prayed. This week, we look at how Nehemiah acted.
1. Receptive to God
Nehemiah was sensitive and receptive to the Lord’s leading. God was the first person that Nehemiah approached for help. Nehemiah prayed when the opportunity was given to speak to King Artaxerxes (v4). When everything fell into place, Nehemiah knew that the gracious hand of God was upon him (v8). And when he went to recce the walls of Jerusalem in the night, Nehemiah was always mindful that God had placed the plan upon him. Nehemiah boldly claimed that “the God of heaven will give him success” (v20), and he knew that his role was to be God’s obedient servant. In using the title ‘God of Heaven’, Nehemiah acknowledged that the Lord is sovereign, almighty, and unlimited. Indeed, God hears and answers prayer, and He helps us in ordinary ways.
When we have compelling burdens, we often feel stressed and pressured, and most of us tend to lean on our own understanding. We may act in ways that dishonour and disregard God. We may compromise what is holy and for God’s glory. But while we must meet external demands, we can learn from Nehemiah to maintain a deep inward posture of prayer, adoration and worship. We must practise listening to God daily, and cultivate the discipline to wait and obey God.
2. Mindful of People and Situations
Nehemiah was mindful of how the Lord works through people and situations in his life. God operates in ordinary situations. He uses our present context to work His divine will. Nehemiah was mindful that he was given a divine appointment for God’s divine purpose. He used his privileged position as cupbearer to persuade a pagan king to allow him to help the disheartened Jews. Nehemiah was also mindful of the Persian policy of rebuilding Jerusalem. He knew that King Artaxerxes had sponsored Ezra’s return, but stopped the rebuilding of the wall because of rumours of rebellion (Ezra 4). Although Artaxerxes did not trust the Jews in Jerusalem, he trusted Nehemiah’s loyalty and ability. Nehemiah’s story reminds us of how our present station in life can be used by God “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14). How can we use our special calling, position, or station in life for God’s purpose?
3. Not Exclude / Excuse Himself
Lastly, Nehemiah was willing to be personally involved in the rebuilding of Jerusalem. Nehemiah did not make excuses to refuse God’s calling. He did not ask God to send his brother Hanani to Jerusalem instead. And although he was comfortably settled with a fulfilling job in Susa, he was willing to surrender it for God’s service. Nehemiah may have had no specific calling, or special skills to build a wall, but he was willing and available at God’s disposal, whenever God called him to go.
Jesus said that “the harvest is plentiful but the labourers are few” (Matthew 9:37). What is the burden that God is giving us for the next rebuilding, or harvest? Let us pray for God to show us the next step, and let us be willing to be sent. Perhaps we already have a job, but maybe someone else could do our job. Only a disciple of Jesus can be available and willing to do God’s work, to share the Good News and show God’s love.
(Sermon notes by Bryan Tan)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- In my daily life, how do I practice waiting on and reflecting with God? How can I develop this discipline?
- List the many positions and professional/social circles that the Lord has placed me in. How may I be the ‘salt and light’ for the Lord in these stations of my life?
- What is a compelling burden that the Lord has placed upon my heart for? What is a “next step” for me to take?
