Day 106 – Nehemiah: Theme

“The king asked, “Well, how can I help you?” With a prayer to the god of heaven, I replied, “If it please the king, and if you are pleased with me, your servant, send me to Judah to rebuild the city where my ancestors are buried.” Nehemiah 2:4-5 NLT

The story begins with Nehemiah talking with fellow Jews who reported that the walls and gates of Jerusalem were in disrepair. It was disturbing news, and rebuilding the walls became Nehemiah’s burden. He approached King Artaxerxes for permission to go to Jerusalem and restore the fallen walls. With the king’s approval and armed with royal letters, he travelled to Jerusalem, organised the people into groups, and assigned sections of the wall to be constructed to them.

The project was not without opposition from their surrounding enemies. Some wanted to halt the work with insults, ridicule, threats, and sabotage. Others became fearful and weary. In each case, Nehemiah employed a strategy to frustrate the enemies through prayer, encouragement, guard duty, and consolidation. After the completion of construction, he continued to organise the nation by taking registration and appointing gatekeepers and other officials.

The book of Nehemiah closes with the listing of clans and their leaders, the dedication of the new wall of Jerusalem, and the purging of sin from the land.

Prayer: Father, so many times we are confronted with opposition when tasked to do something for You. May we, like Nehemiah, employ a strategy of prayer and perseverance to see the project to the end so we can humbly dedicate our lives, ministries, and accomplishments to Your glory. Amen.