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Nehemiah Week Three

What do you do with a broken heart? You take it to the Healer. What do you do when the healer calls you to be a part of the repair work? You trust and follow through. Nehemiah was brokenhearted over the condition of Gods people and of Gods city. He immediately took his broken heart to God, obediently responded to His call and waited for Gods timing to make his move. After about 4 months, God opened the door for the work of rebuilding to begin. Nehemiah was ready. Fear crept in; but Gods man remained faithful. Chapter 2 is filled with examples for us to follow as God breaks our hearts over the broken places and calls us to His work of rebuilding. Lets see where He would have us begin.

Day One:
Read verses 1-5. 1) Nehemiahs heart was broken over the news his brother gave him. Yet, he went about his work for several months, until one day he could bear the brokenness no more. Describe the conversation between the king and Nehemiah in verses 1-2.

What does the king recognize about Nehemiahs sadness?

2) There was a danger in being sad in the kings presence. The king wanted his people to show happiness because their emotional state reflected his care and provision for his kingdom. Nehemiah faced the same possibility Esther faced in approaching her king in a displeasing way. Take a look at Esther 4:11, 5:1-3. What could happen if the king was upset by Nehemiahs emotions or his request?

3) Nehemiah readily admitted his fear at the end of verse 2. Yet, he faithfully moved forward to give a true explanation for his sadness. How could both faith and fear exist together in Nehemiahs mind and heart?

Day One (continued)

4) As Nehemiah explained his sadness to the king, he pointed to two main areas of concern: His fathers tombs and the city gates.

John MacArthur explains: A tomb was a place to show respect for dead community members who birthed the living generation and passed on their spiritual values to them. Tombs were also the place where the present generation hoped to be honored by burial at death. Gates were emblematic of the life of the city, since the people were gathered for judicial procedure of basic social interaction near the gates. The burned gates represented the death of social life; the end of a community of people (660). Truly, God gave Nehemiah the words to say in this very fearful situation. The tie to heritage and community would be relatable to the monarch. The kings response was amazing. How does the Truth of Proverbs 21:1 unfold in the kings answer (v. 4)?

***5) The end of verse 4 leading into verse 5 is a perfect example of what it means to live out 1 Thessalonians 5:17. After reading these two verses again, take a look at the power-packed, short directive in 1 Thessalonians 5:17.

In the few days weve walked with Nehemiah, how have you seen him live out this practice?

How about you? Would you say you pray without ceasing? If not, how can you actively begin to follow Nehemiahs example today?

Day Two:
In todays reading we will witness the ability of God to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us 1) Lets read Nehemiah 2:6-8. How does the king respond to Nehemiahs request to go to Jerusalem?

2) We know God moved King Artaxerxes heart to allow Nehemiahs request. Beyond permission, God also caused Nehemiah to find true favor with the king. According to verse 6, how did the king feel about sending Nehemiah?

Not only did it please the king to send him, but the Queen was in agreement as well. Remember, Esther became the stepmother to this king when she was chosen by King Xerxes, his father. It is possible that her actions in such a time as this (Esther 4:14) had a generational influence on her stepson and his court.

3) God prompted Nehemiah to ask for letters of authority for passage and for timber. He asked and the king granted all he asked and more! According to verse 9, what more did God move the king to supply?

4) The last phrase of verse 8 is the key to everything. Nehemiah repeats it throughout the book. Ezra also recognized that his own favor, leadership, provision, safety, planning, everything, came from the good hand of *his+ God upon him. Compare Ezra 7:6. The Hebrew word for hand here implies, the open one, as opposed to the closed hand, power, means, direction. It is a picture of Gods open hand leading the way, welcoming Nehemiah to follow, providing all he needed, materials, strength and protection. When we follow the hand of God, we find He has already provided everything we need (and more) for the way He is leading. Take a look at the following three verses from the New Testament and write down some things that come as a result of Gods good hand on a believer: Romans 16:25 1 Corinthians 2:9 Colossians 1:29

Day Two(continued)
5) Gods ability to supply exceedingly abundantly more than we could ever ask or think is often experienced when we step out in faith, believing God will provide. Our obedience paves the way for a testimony of Gods miraculous work in and through His servant. As a Christian, every day is a for such a time as this day. Never doubt that the impact made for the kingdom today will carry on into tomorrow. Gods touch on an obedient heart creates a ripple effect with the potential to reach generations. What about your life? What is God calling you to do in obedience to Him? What do you need to accomplish His call? Have you asked Him? Why not ask, receive and follow today? Remember, the impact of your obedience will outlast you for good.

Day Three:
The journey from the kingdom in Persia to Jerusalem was a long and dangerous one. It would take Nehemiah at least three months and the route was not easy. Danger came in many forms. One element of danger that would appear time and again for Nehemiah was opposition from the Enemy. Just after the high notes of Chapter 2 verses 6-8, we discover Nehemiahs opposition in verses 9-10. Nehemiahs journey reminds us of our own in so many ways. As you study today, remember, opposition is often an assurance that you are heading in the right direction.

1) Lets read verses 9-10 and identify the names of Nehemiahs troubles. What were their positions?

2) What was the problem these two men had with Nehemiah?

Day Three (continued)

3) God had already provided protection for Nehemiah in the form of captains and horsemen from the kings own army. Because of the authority given to Nehemiah and the accompaniment of the guards, if Sanballat and Tobiah chose to attack, they would be launching an attack on the king. The same is true of the attacks the Enemy launches on us. Any time we step out in faith to follow God, we will face opposition. What does Jesus say about this in John 15:14?

4) We have been promised persecution and opposition in this world. The reason is because we have an enemy who seeks to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10). However, we have a Victor Who tells us, Greater is He Who is in you than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4). James 1:2 -3 reminds us to count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. ***We know we should not succumb to fear or react in the flesh when faced with the trial of opposition; but what should we do? We must rely on the One Who has already won the eternal victory. Go to John 17:14-23. How does Jesus pray for us to remain strong in the midst of opposition? What is the one thing that will sustain us?

5) You may be facing opposition today. If you arent, you most likely will be soon. It is the nature of our journey here. However, you can be certain that God loves you dearly (John 3:16), watches over you constantly (Psalm 139), protects you completely (2 Thessalonians 3:3), has claimed you as His own (2 Corinthians 1:22), makes a clear way for you (Proverbs 3:5-6), and will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). Take some time to list out any opposition you may be facing. Then, beside each item on your list, choose a verse from above, or another applicable verse, and write it out. For example: Confusion over which step to take next Proverbs 3:5-6

Keep this list in your Bible and as you see God removing opposition from your way, write a prayer of praise and thanksgiving beside it.

Day Four:
Theres a fascinating sentence right in the middle of Nehemiah 2. Verse 11 says, So I came to Jerusalem and was there three days. Before he made a move to inspect the walls he would rebuild, before he spoke a work to anyone about Gods call and his plans, Nehemiah simply was there. Ezra, who also led the people in a rebuilding project (the Temple) years before, records a similar waiting time in Ezra 8:32. He says, So we came to Jerusalem, and stayed there three days. Queen Esther waited three days before taking action in going to the king on behalf of her people. In Esther 4:16 she tells Mordecai, Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. Three days to simply be, to wait, to fast and pray. What if you completely clear your calendar for three days, totally unplug, stay quiet and just be before the Lord, wait on Him, fast and pray? Imagine what God could do in you over three days. Remember, by the third day, a world that had never existed before suddenly roared with mighty oceans, bloomed with fruit trees, blossomed with herb plants and was covered with meadows of green grass. In three days, a rebellious prophet was saved from the ocean depths, preserved in the belly of a great fish and spit out on the dry land of second chances. But, most importantly, by the third day, there was an empty tomb and a risen Savior! Three days of silent seeking, purposeful praying and learning to listen for Gods voice could change everything. All for the good!

1) Lets read Nehemiah 2:11 and Psalm 46:10. How does Nehemiah practice the Truth of this Psalm? How did this time of silence and understanding of God help him to press forward?

2) Continue on through Nehemiah 2:12-18. Describe Nehemiahs actions.

Why do you think he first viewed the walls in secret?

Day Four (continued)

3) Any time God calls us to a work, there is Kingdom impact to be made. He always has a plan and a process for us to follow in completing our task. In working with His disciples, Jesus demonstrated each of the principles Nehemiah followed in approaching his work. ***Take some extra time today to search through the Gospels and find examples of Jesus teaching His disciples these principles of Kingdom work. First Seeks (Wait on) the Lord. Second Assess the work. Third Count the cost. Fourth Present the problem and its spiritual impact. Fifth - Encourage confidence in the Lord. Sixth Challenge the people to join in the work. As Nehemiah follows Gods plan, he sees the work not just as a physical work, but as a spiritual work as well. What does he say to the people that reveals to them the deeper meaning of broken walls and the task ahead? (Verse 17)

4) Nehemiah knew that rebuilding the walls was an enormous task. He also knew the people had been living amongst the rubble of broken walls for years. How did he assure them that God would accomplish the rebuilding through them?

5)

How did the people react to Nehemiahs call to action?

I am sure Nehemiah was a man of great charisma. But, true heart motivation is never ignited by the charisma of a man; it is only through the character of Christ that the flame of true heart motivation is ignited. How does Paul explain this of himself in 1 Corinthians 2:1-5?

Day Five:
God sent His man to call the people. The people were ready to begin the work. They set their hands to the good work, and immediately the Enemy sought to destroy them. The actions of Sanballat and Tobiah are typical of unbelievers bent on destroying Gods work and His people. There will always be people who make great efforts to distract, deter and dismantle the building work of the Body of Christ. God does not leave us without defense. He gives us all we need to stay in the fight. Thinking of the armor He provides in Ephesians 6, remember, He says, Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand (Ephesians 6:13). As you study today, think about what it means to not only take part in the work, but to take a stand for the work, even in the face of evil men and women.

1) Read Nehemiah 2:19-20. How does verse 19 begin?

2) Many times when we set out to do a good work of obedience, Satan attacks through his age-old tactic of doubt. How do Sanballat and Tobiah attempt to get the people to doubt Gods leading through Nehemiah?

3) Think back to the Garden of Eden. How did the serpent tempt Eve to doubt Gods Word?

What does God say about knowing and believing His Word in Proverbs 1:33 and 2:6-8?

4) Sanballat and Tobiah were bullies. Their bullying tactics were the same in Nehemiahs time as many bullies are today. They laughed at the people, made fun of them, questioned them and threatened them. How did Nehemiah respond in verse 20?

Day Five (continued)

5) Nehemiah demonstrated great confidence in the Lord, leadership and protection of the people, and boldness to shut down the bullies. Is God calling you to stand up in the face of bullying tactics? If so, begin to memorize 2 or 3 verses that will help you face harsh bullying opposition with holy boldness. Some great verses to put in your arsenal are: Psalm 18:30 Psalm 110:1 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 Ephesians 6:10-18

Building Block: Look to God for your leadership; follow Him and point others to His leading as you go.