Nehemiah- Rebuilding and RenewalNäide

We have come to the end of this two-week devotional series. More than a dry, historical narrative of the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls, we have seen that the book of Nehemiah has much to teach us about personal leadership, faith, vision, a community on mission, God’s faithfulness, spiritual renewal and a call to holiness and rejoicing!

In the Church today we are seeing a growing number of people coming back to God. God is building His Church! In the secular West, Bible sales have risen, many people are either returning to church or coming to church for the first time. Mass baptisms have been taking place in public areas in many parts of the normally-nominally-Christian-world. Something is stirring. To quote C.S. Lewis: “Aslan is on the move”.

Nehemiah is a book that interlays themes of spiritual renewal and physical preparation. In this story God used the physical preparation of the city of Jerusalem as a catalyst for the spiritual awakening of His people. One led to the other. Rather than dismissing the necessity for setting up a safe environment for the returning exiles, Nehemiah was burdened with the need to make a way for provision and safety for the people in a very physical way- which resulted in opening up the whole nation to a new move of God!

In this final chapter, having returned from another stint of service to the king, Nehemiah finds some issues needing addressing. The initial spiritual renewal of the people is in danger of sliding into compromise and sin. Purification was required of the people (v1-3), and of leadership (4-9), to put things right (v10-11).

“Why is the house of God neglected?”, he asks. We do well too, to check- what is the state of the house of God of which I am a part? Spiritually, relationally, financially? What is the state of our mission- in reaching those not yet part of the story of Jesus? What is the state of our worship? Do we come to the Lord hungry for His presence and His Word? What is the state of our hearts? And how does our lifestyle reflect this? What is the state of our fellowship? Do we operate in forgiveness and do we bear one another’s burdens? (Gal. 6:2)

The book of Nehemiah ends as it began- as a man before God in prayer: “Remember me with favour, O my God.” After all is said and done, when seasons of rebuilding and renewal have come and gone, may we with humility and simple faith pray like Nehemiah- as men and women before our God.

Reflect:

Read Psalm 139:23-24. Invite the Lord to search your heart regarding mission to the lost, worship of the Lord and fellowship with other believers. Write down what He shows you and pray into it.

Looking back over the past two weeks, what have been some key learnings or ‘takeaways’ for you from Nehemiah? Who will you share this with? Make a plan and do it.