September 26: Nehemiah 1-5

September 26, Nehemiah 1-5

Nehemiah is basically a continuation of Ezra. Think about it more like a sequel to the first. This book is all about God protecting his people and the requirements that they need to remain faithful to Him, and his laws. Remember, back in Jewish days, this was considered one book – Ezra/Nehemiah. 

Nehemiah 1 this book was written by Nehemiah. He got word that the remnant in Jerusalem in trouble and Shane because the walls of Jerusalem had been broken down. Upon hearing this news, Nehemiah wept and mourned for days. He fasted and prayed before God. He confessed the sins of his people and admitted to their corrupt ways and not keeping God's Commandments. They knew the that warning that if they did not obey God would scatter them and he did so. At the end of the chapter we learn that he was the cupbearer to the King–a prominent place and obviously a close relationship to the king.

Nehemiah 2 nehemiah was serving wine to King Artaxerxes and the king realized that Nehemiah was sad. He had never seen this before with him. The king asked him what he was requesting. Before he responded, he asked God for direction. Then, Nehemiah lead his request be known for the King– he wanted to go back to his people and help rebuild the city. The king granted everything that he asked because God was with nehemiah. The king wrote letters for Nehemiah to send out basically saying that the king had granted him permission, protection, and whatever else he needed to accomplish the task at hand. So, Nehemiah was on his way to Jerusalem and he went with officers of the Army at Horseman for protection given to him by the king. Nehemiah, When he arrived to Jerusalem, went on a scouting mission to see what was really going on without telling anybody what God had spoken to him or commanded him to do. After that, Nehemiah addressed all the people in Jerusalem that God was with him for the good of people and the king also backed them up. That being said, there was opponents in the crowd that made fun of him and were against what he was doing. Nehemiah basically told them that God will prosper them regardless of their opposition and that they had no rights to anything in Jerusalem.

Nehemiah 3 this chapter is basically a lineage/genealogy of all of the groups that helped rebuild the wall in Jerusalem. As you know, Jerusalem was destroyed by Babylon 586 BC now it is up to Nehemiah to rebuild the wall to protect them. To summarize this chapter, you can look at all the hard-working men and women that help to rebuild what God has done in this chapter.

Nehemiah 4 enter in the opposition. When the opposition came, Nehemiah did not defend them but prayed that God would have his way with them, since they provoked him to anger. The enemies did their best to plot evil against people but by prayer and intercession, Nehemiah did a great job of setting protection for his people day and night. This is great leadership. It takes prayer and action. Nehemiah had decided to put people by their clans together with their spears and shovels - to protect each other and also to get the work done. God reminded them to not be afraid because he is grading awesome. They were to protect their brothers and sisters and their homes. Did a fantastic job of frustrating the plans of the enemy and all the Jews continued to work. They work with a spear in one hand defined off the enemy and a shovel in the other hand to continue on God’s work. They didn't even change their clothes are wash their clothes in between shifts– they kept working.

Nehemiah 5 this chapter is when we see the pastor side of Nehemiah. People are complaining that they had mortgaged all their fields and possessions just to put the table– To their fellow brethren. They had borrowed money to pay their taxes from their fellow Jews. Nehemiah was outrage when he had heard this. He brought together the big wigs and the officials… he basically called them out. He told then no more collecting interest from your fellow brothers and we have been sold before so how is it now that we're selling our fellow brothers? What they were doing was not good. Instead what they should be doing is walking in the fear of God. Nehemiah commanded that they give back the land and no longer charged interest to the fellow Jews. The crazy thing is, they have made. Nehemiah was now appointed Governor over the land of Judah. He did not take any thing from the governor but he lead by example because he feared God and gave all that he had to the Kingdom.

To sum it all up: 

• what we should be doing is walking in the fear of God.
• Our obedience is shown through the lives that we live. Lip service is not enough. That leads to pathetic Christianity that does not lead to life change.
• Let me ask you something, does your life reflect the love and passion that Christ had? If it does not, it is time for you to change things up and live your life according to his glorious majesty and stop living for yourself.
• Isn't it about time that you got over your self and fell crazy in love with Jesus Christ? Today is the day of your salvation… Live every moment to its fullest because we do not know when we will have another moment!