Tuesday
The book of Nehemiah begins with troubling news from Jerusalem.
Nehemiah is the cupbearer to the king. This is a very prestigious job, as the cupbearer was trusted by the king and allowed into his presence. One day Nehemiah is so upset that it spills over into his demeanor and the king asks him what is wrong. Nehemiah know his well-being, perhaps even his life, is on the line when he tells Artaxerxes why he is sad. In the split moment between the time that Artaxerxes asks the question and the time that Nehemiah answers it, Nehemiah prayed to the God of heaven. And then Nehemiah tells him that he has heard from his brothers living in Jerusalem, that the wall in Jerusalem has been torn down and the gates destroyed by fire.
The king asks how he can help and Nehemiah tells him he would like to go to Judah to rebuild the city. The king gives Nehemiah permission to go, and he also gives him a letter that will help him acquire the materials needed to complete the wall.
God put the plans into Nehemiah’s heart and from that time on, Nehemiah is committed to serving God. Even in the face of opposition from Sanballat, Geshem, and Tobiah, we see Nehemiah has the faith to see it through saying “The God of heaven will give us success” (2:20).
Did you notice that Nehemiah turned first to God before answering the king? I can’t stress enough the importance of turning to God first, in all things. And God answered Nehemiah’s prayer and blessed him through the king’s caring and his generosity.
Sharing the Good News
Pastor Kathy