Ordinary People … ……Extra-ordinary Faith
Nehemiah - faith & action in the work
place
[Neh. Chapters 1 & 2] Andy Dymond
Context for Nehemiah’s life
Persian (Iranian) exile period
5th Century BC
Descended from Jewish exiles captured & brought into Babylonian exile 140 or so years previously (586 BC) Then the Persians conquered Babylon in 539 BC Cyrus the Great chosen by God (Isaiah 45: 1-7) to “subdue nations”,
open doors, to return the Jews to Israel and to rebuild Jerusalem (538 BC)
Many Jews remained permanently in Persia & some in high positions but were never secure
The scene is set several generations after the return (445 BC)
Nehemiah had become a cup-bearer (wine taster) to the King
Setting the scene
Nehemiah’s position was one of influence and honour, but also of risk Compare Joseph, Moses, Rahab, David, Daniel, Esther
The information came through natural connections A brother with others came to him with news (Ch 1: 1-2)
But acting on it brought huge risk to Nehemiah (Ch 2: 2-3) Faith is the certainty of the unseen (Heb. 11:1) Risk is the context, the physical reality, chance of loss or pain
Prayer brought faith and risk into harmony Considered prayer (1:4) – accompanied by purposeful activities Spontaneous prayer (2:4) – from a life of knowing God
Lessons from the story
How do we respond as disciples to distressing national, business or family news or challenges?
The “Where is God in this?” dilemma Does God care, or want to act? If so ..... should he just act without our prayer? What is our role in intercession, confession, faith, action?
Types of Prayer - We can’t just jump to the end game Daily prayer encountering the Lord Seeking & “wrestling” Faith is a conclusion, not necessarily a starting point Action on trust
Timing of Nehemiah’s prayer & outcome
News came in the month Kislev, 20th year (Ch 1:1) 9th month of the Jewish Calendar (Nov/Dec)
Wept, mourned, fasted & prayed (Ch 1: 4) Sought for God’s will, and Planned for positive answer & accepted opportunity
Outcome - Before the King in the month Nisan (Ch 2:1) Same 20th year of King Artaxerxes (2:1) 1st month of Jewish Calendar (Spring), 3-4 months later
Nehemiah’s prayer diary (Ch. 1: 4-11)
Worship of the dependable God (v. 5)
Seek God’s attention (v.6)
Confess & identify self with the problem – corporate & personal sins (v.7)
Situation was rooted in historical & factual reality of sin & disobedience (v. 7-8)
Holding God to a promise (v. 9)
Visioning the route to God’s honour (v. 10) – compare Ex. 32
Seeking for an answer (v. 11)
Taking action (v.11)
“God’s good hand” on a willing servant
A sense that God’s call would need a mission plan
Trust in God built on results of 1st steps Fearful start ...... “O King, live for ever” (Ch 2: 2-3) King’s astounding answer ..... What is it you want? (v 4) Second answer ..... OK, how long will it take? (v 6)
Confident request ....... Letters of passage “Visa”! (v 7) Next request ....... Wood for construction (v 8) Also received a cavalry escort! (v 9)
The mission’s success – over 12 years
Confident arrival Careful survey and faith combined (v 11-12)
Encountered opposition & plots from regional “powers”
Organized local Jewish officials, priests & nobles into the construction project Completed the city walls in 52 days (Ch 6: 15)
Remained on as governor for 12 years Restored the spiritual covenant life of the Jews, together with Ezra Dealt with many problems & social justice issues Was a leader who “walked the walk”
Conclusion - Steps to service
.... for every member in the midst of life
Approachable - Ready to hear & listen, and to be vulnerable
Responsible - challenging situations can lead to opportunity
Prayerful – Seek and ask... reason, promise, vision, steps
Open to calling – A sense of mission ... Prepare for it!
Patient - Wait for God’s timing – maybe disappointment or delay is a chance to plan & set markers for God’s confirmation
Confident in trouble – when we know God’s hand upon us
Bold – faith increases with each step, may start falteringly but God gives encouragement along the way
Top Related