The Bible tells us to love our neighbors, and also to love our enemies; probably because they are generally the same people.”- Chesterton

As long as the people in Jerusalem were content with their sad lot, the enemy left them alone; but, when the Jews began to serve the Lord and bring glory to God’s name, the enemy became active. Satan wanted to use problems as weapons to destroy the work, but God used them as tools to build His people.
Referring to Satan, Paul wrote, “For we are not ignorant of his devices” (2 Cor. 2:11). This chapter presents four of Satan’s devices for opposing the Lord’s work, and it also tells us how God’s people can be steadfast and defeat the enemy. If you start building, you will soon be battling; so, be prepared!

TAUNTS: 4:1-6 Think about the taunts and Nehemiah’s response. How do they attempt to undermine their resolve? Where have you faced mockery in your life as you tried to live for Jesus? Who mocked you? Why where they angry? What emotions do you struggle with during?

4:1 Now when Sanballat heard that we were building the wall, he was angry and greatly enraged, and he jeered at the Jews. 2 And he said in the presence of his brothers and of the army of Samaria, “What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they restore it for themselves? Will they sacrifice? Will they finish up in a day? Will they revive the stones out of the heaps of rubbish, and burned ones at that?” 3 Tobiah the Ammonite was beside him, and he said, “Yes, what they are building—if a fox goes up on it he will break down their stone wall!” 4 Hear, O our God, for we are despised. Turn back their taunt on their own heads and give them up to be plundered in a land where they are captives. 5 Do not cover their guilt, and let not their sin be blotted out from your sight, for they have provoked you to anger in the presence of the builders. 6 So we built the wall. And all the wall was joined together to half its height, for the people had a mind to work.

PLOT 4:7-10 Here we see that the response of the people to trust God and continue work on the wall continues to anger the enemies of Gods work. Consider the response to the rumors of their enemies plotting to attack. Where have you felt rumors and plotting against the church or in your personal life? How do these rumors affect your resolve?

7 But when Sanballat and Tobiah and the Arabs and the Ammonites and the Ashdodites heard that the repairing of the walls of Jerusalem was going forward and that the breaches were beginning to be closed, they were very angry. 8 And they all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and to cause confusion in it. 9 And we prayed to our God and set a guard as a protection against them day and night. 10 In Judah it was said, “The strength of those who bear the burdens is failing. There is too much rubble. By ourselves we will not be able to rebuild the wall.”

THREATS 4:11-14: At this point there are actual threats against the people of Judah. Now those friends and family who didn’t volunteer to help are urging to stop the work out of real concern for their safety. Have you ever felt threatened for your faith? Where have you experienced the pressure from friends or family? Does remembering God and his attributes give you courage for living a life in Christ against opposition?

11 And our enemies said, “They will not know or see till we come among them and kill them and stop the work.” 12 At that time the Jews who lived near them came from all directions and said to us ten times, “You must return to us.” 13 So in the lowest parts of the space behind the wall, in open places, I stationed the people by their clans, with their swords, their spears, and their bows. 14 And I looked and arose and said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.”

On Guard: 4:15-18 Consider what it must have felt like to work under the threat of war at any moment. How do you think it would feel to work under that kind of pressure? How does a heightened sense of danger help in building the wall? What dangers do YOU face when you put down your sword to work, your protection to pray?

15 When our enemies hear that it was known to us and that God had frustrated their plan, we all returned to the wall, each to his work. 16 From that day on, half of my servants worked on construction, and half held the spears, shields, bows, and coats of mail. And the leaders stood behind the whole house of Judah, 17 who were building on the wall. Those who carried burdens were loaded in such a way that each labored on the work with one hand and held his weapon with the other. 18 And each of the builders had his sword strapped at his side while he built. The man who sounded the trumpet was beside me.

Rally Cry: 4:19-20 (read Gal 6:1-10) What’s the purpose of the trumpet? How does this correlate with you belonging to a church body? Do we practically rally to thwarts of attacks on the church? When we rally for one another where does our courage and strength come from? How does this affect your understanding of community? How does that excite or discourage you from being a part of community?

19 And I said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, “The work is great and widely spread, and we are separated on the wall, far from one another. 20 In the place where you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us.”

Be Prepared: 4:21-23 Are you prepared for spiritual battle? Why were the workers sleeping on the wall? How do you live out these principles in your call to build the kingdom of God? When have you not been prepared? What did it look like? What was the consequence?

21 So we labored at the work, and half of them held the spears from the break of dawn until the stars came out. 22 I also said to the people at that time, “Let every man and his servant pass the night within Jerusalem, that they may be a guard for us by night and may labor by day.” 23 So neither I nor my brothers nor my servants nor the men of the guard who followed me, none of us took off our clothes; each kept his weapon at his right hand.

TROWL: What has God burdened you to build?
1. A Spiritual Life?
2. A Marriage?
3. Children?
4. Business?
5. Ministry?

SWORD: How can you best defend what you are building?
1. A Spiritual Life?
a. Defending against apathy with a vision to glorify God in all things
b. Defending against false teaching with study
c. Defending against demonic attack with prayer
d. Defending against isolation with meaningful Christian friendships
2. A Marriage?
a. Defending against division with a unified theology
b. Defending against temptation with accountability and regular intimacy
c. Defending against folly with wise friendships
d. Defending against bitterness with forgiving grace
3. Children?
a. Defending against danger by carefully choosing who has access to you children
b. Defending your daughters by fighting for their purity
c. Defending your sons by fighting for their masculine dignity
d. Defending against financial ruin by saving, investing, and insuring.
4. Business?
a. Defending against law suits with good bookkeeping and records
b. Defending against employee turnover and theft with adequate hiring, fair compensation, and respect.
c. Defending against purposelessness by connecting your business to a meaningful kingdom purpose
5. Ministry?
a. Defending against sin by modeling and proclaiming repentance
b. Defending against false teachers by fighting for the truth
c. Defending against insufficient funds with generous tithing.
d. Defending against distractions and competing agendas with a clear focus on Jesus.

How to Become a Member at Monument Bible Church
Sunday, July 5th @ 5pm in the Cafeteria.

This class meets for 1 hour before church. Becoming a member is a three-step process:
1. Connect

Sign up for a class, tell us who you are, and learn what we believe.
2. Covenant

Affirm our doctrine and the expectations of membership.
3. Conversation

Meet with an Elder for the final membership interview.

Easily edified.

Isn't that a wonderful goal--a sign of good mental health and genuine obedience of faith?

I'm afraid that far too often an accurate assessment of myself would reveal:

* easily annoyed
* easily irritated
* easily impatient
* easily hurt
* easily angered
* easily distracted
* easily arrogant

But wouldn't it be great if those who knew us best could honestly say, "It is so easy to edify him. It doesn't take much. It doesn't need to be the best sermon ever preached or the most excellent song ever composed or the most powerful book ever written or the most theologically eloquent statement ever uttered. Just the simplest truth was enough to refresh his heart in Christ."

Not a bad way to pray--for ourselves and for others.

1. The purpose of the work
Nehemiah was concerned about only one thing, the glory of God. “Let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach” (2:17). The Gentiles delighted in mocking their Jewish neighbors by pointing out the dilapidated condition of Jerusalem. If God loved Jerusalem so much, why were the walls in ruin and the gates burned? Why didn’t the Jews do something?
For the most part, the world today ignores the church. If it does pay any attention to the church, it is usually to condemn or mock. Whether Christians like it or not, we are living in a day of reproach when “the glory has departed” (1 Sam. 4:21).
The purpose of all ministry is the glory of God. The words of Jesus in His priestly prayer ought to be the motivating force in all Christian ministry: “I have glorified Thee on the earth; I have finished the work which Thou gavest Me to do” (John 17:4). God has a special task for each of His children (Eph. 2:10); and in the humble, faithful doing of that task, we glorify His name.
Of course, the rebuilding of the walls also meant protection for the people. Jerusalem was surrounded by enemies. We need to accept the size of the mission God has set before us. We need to build the church as a city within the city.

2. The pattern of the work 38 individual workers are named in this chapter, and 42 different groups are identified, each worker was assigned a place and a task.
1. Work needs to be distributed amongst all. Nehemiah constructs teams to work together, “you work on this neighborhood, this gate, this part of the wall.
2. These teams are built around pre existing relationships. Family, friends, co-workers
3. These teams are unified, Theologically, all love the same God
4. These teams have missiological unity; all want to accomplish the same task
5. These teams have relational unity; all know and love each other
6. The bigger the organization, the more trust that is needed. Trust is gained slowly, and lost quickly. We need trustworthy people to lead the mission. Unity is important. Jesus prayed for it. It’s a big deal. WORK on your aspect of the mission. Focus on your gate.
7. Nehemiah Connects air war to the ground war
a. Air War: Preaching , Worship, Website, info to the masses
b. Ground War: Leadership classes, Community groups, Accountably groups
c. Without a ground war we will no transformation. Nehemiah builds teams, deputizes leaders, assigns them to projects, give them a specialization, then connected his air war and ground war.
d. Some of us are just part of the air war, we come to church, we listen to the sermon but were not plugged in. Not a member, partner, or community member.
e. We want to build our ground war. Air war is OK, ground war is hurting.
f. We need to be doing the “one another’s” of the New Testament.
8. Nehemiah works on the organization
a. Leadership development, management, systems,
b. If you take someone to a ship, who is the most important? Boat builder.
c. With bad budget, vision, mission, facilities, systems, the boat will sink.
9. Nehemiah looks for old stones
a. Used the ruined stones, 141 yrs, to rebuild the walls.
b. Old buildings, land, and we can turn them into churches
c. Mature Christians, who have been there, done that. Need examples or Christian parents.
10. All work is Holy
a. These people are picking up rocks, what are they doing? Ministry.
b. Anyone who knows God is in full time ministry.
c. Whatever you do, do it for the glory of God.
d. Jesus carpenter 30 yrs, holy. Last 3 yrs was Holy. It was all pleasing the father.

3. The people in the work
God uses all kinds of people. The chapter mentions rulers and priests (vv. 1, 12–19), men and women (v. 12), professional craftsmen (vv. 8, 32), and even people from outside the city (vv. 2, 5, 7). There was a place for everyone, and a job for everyone to do.
1. God works thru people
a. Is he using them?, no he loves them. He wants us to share in his joy.
b. God is our father, and when we labor with our dad it’s a joy.
c. God loves to take his kids to work, so that we can share in his joy.
Leaders must set the example (Neh. 3:1). That the high priest used his consecrated hands to do manual labor shows that he considered the work on the wall to be a ministry to the Lord. “whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31). Eliashib enlisted the other priests to work at the sheep gate. Since the sacrifices came into the city that way, the priests would be especially interested in that part of the project.
Sad to say, Eliashib did not remain true to his calling (Neh. 13:4–9). Some people who enthusiastically begin their work may drop out or turn against it for one reason or another.
Leaders must lead
a. Pastors are the ones who go 1st. No lazy pastors
b. Don’t ask your people to do what you are unwilling to do yourself.
c. Where is your humility? Jesus came to serve, became a slave, got on his hands and knees even for his betrayer Judas.
d. God opposes the proud. God economy = humility, not pride.
Some people will not work (Neh. 3:5). The nobles refused to work. Were these “aristocrats” so important that they couldn’t do manual labor? Yet Paul was a tentmaker (Acts 18:3), and Jesus was a carpenter (Mark 6:3). Some people do the dirty job. Dung gate, hauling the poop out. A ruler, someone important volunteered, he understood humility.
Some people do more work than others (Neh. 3:11, 19, 21, 24, 27, 30). Most workers are glad to lay down their tools when their job is finished, but these people asked for additional assignments. It isn’t enough for us to say that we have done as much as others; we must do as much as we can as long as the Lord enables us. Jesus asked, “What do you do more than others?

Some do their work at home (Neh. 3:10, 23, 28–30). People repaired portions of the wall nearest to their own houses. If we followed this example, our neighborhoods would be in much better shape! Christian service begins at home “Let them learn first to show piety at home”.
1. Some people work from home
a. Your home is an auxiliary church
b. Church is the big gate, your home is a little gate
c. Do you have a heart for your street?
d. We would train you to be missionaries to work from home, not a contrived outreach ministry at the church building, but living in Missional Communities
e. Serve together as a family. Watch your kids spiritual gifts develop.
Some people work harder than others (Neh. 3:20). Baruch is the only worker whose work was done “earnestly”. The Hebrew means “to burn or glow”. Baruch burned a lot of energy! “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might” (Ecc. 9:10). Paul admonished the slaves to work hard for their masters because they were really working for Christ (Eph. 6:5–8). Lazy workers not only rob themselves and the Lord, but they also rob their fellow workers.

4. The places of the work Nehemiah began his list of the “work stations” with the Sheep Gate (Neh. 3:1). Then he moved counterclockwise around the walls. In his record, he describes the work on the north wall (vv. 1–7), then the western wall (vv. 8–13), then the southern point (v. 14), and finally the eastern wall (vv. 15–32).
The Sheep Gate (Neh. 3:1, 32). This was the gate animals were brought into the city, including the temple sacrifices. It was logical that the priests make this their special project by the temple.
This gate reminds us of Jesus, the Lamb of God who died for the sins of the world (John 1:29; 5:2). Nehemiah chose to begin and end the report with the Sheep Gate. Jesus is the “Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending” (Rev. 1:8). Apart from Him and His sacrifice, we would have nothing eternally satisfying. Nothing is said about the gate’s “locks and bars,” for the way is never closed to the lost sinner who wants to come to the Savior.
The Fish Gate (Neh. 3:3) used when they brought fish from the Mediterranean Sea.
The Old Gate (Neh. 3:6) the Hebrew word means “new quarter” (Zeph. 1:10). In Nehemiah’s day, the northwest section of the city was the “new quarter”. What a paradox: the old gate leads into the new quarter! But it is from the old that we derive the new; and if we abandon the foundation, there can be nothing new built (Jer. 6:16 / Matt. 13:52).
The Valley Gate (Neh. 3:13) is where Nehemiah began his investigation. Every Christian needs a “valley gate,” for God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (1 Peter 5:5–6). Only as we yield to Christ can we truly enter into the fullness of the life He has for us (Phil. 2:1–11).
The Dung Gate (Neh. 3:14) was located at the south side. It was the exit to where the city disposed of its garbage. Jesus used this area as a picture of hell, “where their worm dies not, and their fire is not quenched” (Mark 9:44). The sanitary disposal of waste materials is essential to the health of a city. It reminds us that, like the city, each of us individually must get rid of whatever defiles us, or it may destroy us (2 Cor. 7:1; 1 John 1:9).
The Fountain Gate (Neh. 3:15) was where the source of water entered the city. In the Bible, water for drinking is a picture of the Holy Spirit of God (John 7:37–39), while water for washing is a picture of the Word of God (Eph. 5:26; John 15:3). Spiritually speaking, we have moved from the Valley (humility) to the Dung (cleansing) to the Fountain (fullness of the Spirit).
The Water Gate (Neh. 3:26) If the Fountain Gate reminds us of the Spirit of God, the Water Gate reminds us of the Word of God. In fact, it was here that Ezra explained the Scriptures to the people (8:1). This gate is not said to have been repaired. The Bible does not need to be repaired or improved. The Word of God stands forever and will not fail (Ps. 119:89; Matt. 24:35).
The Horse Gate (Neh. 3:28) reminds us that there is warfare in the Christian life (2 Tim. 2:1–4) and that we must always be ready to do battle (Eph. 6:10–18).
The East Gate (Neh. 3:29) led directly to the temple, know today as the Golden Gate. Tradition says that Jesus entered the temple here on Palm Sunday. Jewish and Christian tradition both connect the Golden Gate with the coming of the Messiah, Muslims associate it with judgment.
Ezekiel saw the glory of the Lord depart from the temple at the East Gate (Ezek. 10; 11), and the Lord will return to the city the same way (43:1–5). So, we have every reason to associate this gate with the coming of the Lord and to remind ourselves to “abide in Him; that, when He shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him at His coming” (1 John 2:28).
The Gate Hammiphkad (Neh. 3:31) “the Inspection Gate.” This is where the army was reviewed and registered. When our Lord returns, He will gather His people and review their works in preparation for giving out rewards for faithful service (1 Cor. 3; 2 Cor. 5; Rom. 14).

No one could have done all this work. It took leadership and cooperation. Each had a place and a job. So it is today: We must work together if we are to finish the work to the glory of God.

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:58).

God works thru us. Our work is not in vain. The Lord Jesus is working ON us, IN us, and thru us. Let’s thank him.

How to Become a Member at MBC
Becoming a member is a three-step process:
1. Connect
Sign up, tell us who you are and learn what we believe. (In order to learn what we believe, prospective members must go through the Doctrine curriculum. We could do this on a Sunday before service)
2. Covenant
Affirm our doctrine and the expectations of membership. (Membership form attached in email, please read it, and let me know what you think)

3. Conversation
Meet with an Elder for the final membership interview. (a leader would go to perspective members house, go over any questions, and collect signed covenant)

1. He had the faith to wait (Neh. 2:1–3) Since the Jewish month of Nisan, it would indicate that four months have passed since Nehemiah received the bad news. As every believer should, Nehemiah patiently waited on the Lord; because it is “through faith and patience” that we inherit the promises (Heb. 6:12). “He that believeth shall not make haste” (Isa. 28:16). True faith in God brings calmness to the heart that keeps us from rushing and trying to do in our own strength what only God can do. We must know not only how to weep and pray, but also how to wait and pray.
Three statements in Scripture have a calming effect on me whenever I get nervous and want to rush ahead of the Lord: “Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord” (Ex. 14:13); “Sit still...until you know how the matter will turn out” (Ruth 3:18); “Be still, and know that I am God” (Ps. 46:10). When you wait on the Lord in prayer, you are not wasting your time; you are investing it. God is preparing both you and your circumstances so that His purposes will be accomplished.
The king noticed that his cupbearer was carrying a burden. Had Artaxerxes been in a bad mood, he might have banished Nehemiah; but instead, the king inquired. “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord” (Prov. 21:1). World leaders are only God’s servants, whether they know it or not. “O Lord God of our fathers, are You not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in Your hand, and no one can withstand You” (2 Chron. 20:6).

2. He had the faith to ask (Neh. 2:4–8) It encourages my prayer life when I contrast the earthly throne of Artaxerxes with the throne of grace in heaven. Nehemiah had to wait for an invitation before he could share his burden with the king, but we can come to the throne of grace at any time with any need (Heb. 4:14–16). Artaxerxes saw the sorrow on Nehemiah’s face, but our Lord sees our hearts and not only knows our sorrows but also feels them with us. People approaching the throne of Persia had to be very careful what they said, lest they anger the king; but God’s people can approach His throne and tell Him whatever burdens them.
Not only had Nehemiah prayed for this opportunity, but he had also planned for it and had his answer ready. During those four months of waiting, he had thought the matter through. His reply can be summarized in two requests: “Send me!” (Neh. 2:4–6) and “Give me!” (vv. 7–10)
Nehemiah had done his research well. He knew everything he needed to ask for and received authority from the king.
When Jesus sent His disciples out to minister, He first gave them the authority they needed to do the job; and He promised to meet their every need (Matt. 10:1–15). As we go forth to serve the Lord, we have behind us all authority in heaven and on earth (28:18); so we don’t have to be afraid. The important thing is that we go where He sends us and that we do the work He has called us to do.
The king’s response is evidence of the sovereignty of God in the affairs of nations. We forget that God can also work through unbelievers. He used Pharaoh to display His power in Egypt (Ex. 9:16; Rom. 9:17). Caesar issued a decree that brought Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem (Luke 2:1–7), and two different Roman centurions—saved Paul’s life. We must remember that God is not required to use only believers.
3. He had the faith to challenge others (Neh. 2:11–18a)
Traveling (Neh. 2:9–10). No description is given of the trip from Susa to Jerusalem, a journey of at least two months’ time. When the official caravan arrived, it was bound to attract attention, particularly among those who hated the Jews and wanted to keep them from fortifying their city.
Nehemiah would soon discover that his biggest problem was not the enemy on the outside but the compromisers on the inside, a problem the church still faces today.
Investigating (Neh. 2:11–16). After his long difficult journey, Nehemiah took time to rest; for leaders must take care of themselves if they are going to be able to serve the Lord (Mark 6:31). He also took time to get “the lay of the land” without arousing the concern of the enemy. A good leader doesn’t rush into his work but patiently gathers the facts firsthand and then plans his strategy (Prov. 18:13).
As he surveyed the situation, it was just as his brother had reported: The walls were broken down and the gates were burned. Leaders must not live in a dream world. They must face facts honestly and accept the bad news as well as the good news.
Challenging (Neh. 2:17–20). Nehemiah’s appeal was positive; he focused on the glory and greatness of the Lord. He had been in the city only a few days, but he spoke of “we” and “us” and not “you” and “them.” As he did in his prayer (1:6–7), he identified with the people and their needs. The city was a reproach to the Lord, but the hand of the Lord was with them; and He would enable them to do the work.
It is to the credit of the followers that they accepted the challenge immediately and said, “Let us rise up and build!” They didn’t remind Nehemiah that they had once tried to repair the walls and were stopped (Ezra 4). “We tried that once and it didn’t work. Why try again?”
The good hand of God was upon the leader, and the followers “strengthen their hands” for the work (Neh. 2:8, 18). It takes both. Leaders can’t do the job by themselves, and workers can’t accomplish much without leaders.
Nehemiah was not only able to challenge his own people, but he was also able to stand up against the enemy and deal effectively with their opposition. Just as soon as God’s people step out by faith to do His will, the enemy shows up and tries to discourage them. Sanballat and Tobiah heard about the work (10).
We will see next that they started off with ridicule; they laughed and belittled both their resources and their plans. They even suggested that the Jews were rebelling against the king. Anyone who has ever accomplished anything has faced ridicule. Our Lord was ridiculed during His life and mocked while He was hanging on the cross. He was “despised and rejected of men” (Isa. 53:3).
Nehemiah could have dealt with their ridicule in several ways. In his reply, Nehemiah made three things clear: Rebuilding the wall was God’s work; the Jews were God’s servants; and they had no part in the matter.
Unfortunately, not everybody in Jerusalem agreed with him; for some of them cooperated with the bad guys and added to Nehemiah’s burdens.

let’s ask ourselves whether we are the kind of missionaries God wants us to be. Like Nehemiah, do we have a burden in our hearts for the work God has called us to do? (2:12) Are we willing to sacrifice to see His will accomplished? Are we patient in gathering facts and in planning our work? Do we enlist the help of others or try to do everything ourselves? Do we motivate people on the basis of what God is doing?
As followers of Christ, do we listen to what our Savior says as he shares our burdens? Do we cling to the past or desire to see God do something new? Do we put our hands to the work? Are we cooperating in any way with the enemy and thus weakening the work? Have we found what God wants us to complete?
Were it not for the dedication and determination that came from his faith in a great God, Nehemiah would never have accepted the challenge or finished the work. No matter how difficult the task, BE DETERMINED! “It is always too soon to quit.”

Brethren and sisters, I hope you are all working for Christ. Christ has saved you, can you do otherwise than live to your Savior? If, indeed, your sins are all put away by his precious blood, if you are wrapped in his spotless righteousness, and accepted in the Beloved, I do trust that the love of Christ constrains you to tell to others of the way of salvation, and to seek to bring in the wandering sheep of the house of Israel - Spurgeon

1 Corinthians 15:58: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord”.

1. He cared enough to ask (Neh. 1:1–3) Nehemiah was a cupbearer to the ruler of
Persia. A cupbearer was a position of great responsibility and privilege. At each meal, he tested the king’s wine. A man who stood that close to the king had to be handsome, cultured, knowledgeable in procedures, and able to converse and advise him. Because he had access to the king, the cupbearer was a man of great influence, which he could use for good or for evil.
Why would Nehemiah ask about a struggling remnant who lived hundreds of miles away? A century and a half before, the Prophet Jeremiah: “For who will have pity on you, O Jerusalem? Or who will bemoan you? Or who will turn aside to ask how you are doing?” (Jer. 15:5) Nehemiah was the man God had chosen to do those very things!
Some people prefer not to know what’s going on, because information might bring obligation. Nehemiah asked about Jerusalem because he had a caring heart. Closing our eyes and ears to the truth could be the first step toward tragedy for ourselves as well as for others.
What did Nehemiah learn about Jerusalem and the Jews? Three words summarize the bad news: remnant, ruin, and reproach. Instead of a great nation, only a remnant of people lived there; and they were in great affliction and struggling to survive. Instead of a magnificent city, Jerusalem was in shambles; and where there had once been great glory, there was now reproach.
Are we like Nehemiah, anxious to know the truth even about the worst situations? When we read missionary prayer letters, see dying churches in town, do we want the facts, and do the facts burden us? Are we the kind of people who care enough to ask?

2. He cared enough to weep (Neh. 1:4) What makes people laugh or weep is often an indication of character. People who laugh at others’ mistakes or misfortunes, or who weep over trivial personal disappointments, are lacking either in culture or character, and possibly both. Sometimes weeping is a sign of weakness; but with Nehemiah. In fact, Nehemiah was like the Lord Jesus in that he willingly shared the burden that was crushing others.
When God puts a burden on your heart, don’t try to escape it; for if you do, you may miss the blessing He has planned for you. The Book of Nehemiah begins with “great affliction” (Neh. 1:3), but before it closes, there is great joy (8:12, 17). “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning” (Ps. 30:5). Our tears water the “seeds of providence” that God has planted on our path; and without our tears, those seeds could never grow and produce fruit.
Nehemiah spent several days fasting, weeping, and praying. He knew that somebody had to do something to rescue the city, and he was willing to go.

3. He cared enough to pray (Neh. 1:5–10) This prayer begins with ADORATION (1:5). To what kind of a God do we pray when we lift our prayers? We pray to a “great and awesome God” (Neh. 1:5), who is worthy of our praise and worship. If you are experiencing great affliction (v. 3) and are about to undertake a great work, then you need the great power, great goodness, and great mercy of a great God. Is the God you worship big enough to handle the challenges that you face?
The greater part of Nehemiah’s prayer was devoted to CONFESSION of sin (1:6–7). The God who promised blessing and chastening also promised forgiveness if His people would repent.
This humble prayer has REMBERANCE (1:8-9) THANKSGIVING (1:10) and closed with SUPPLICATION (Neh. 1:11). To begin with, he had confidence in the power of God. Nehemiah knew that he was too weak to rebuild Jerusalem, but he had faith that God would work on his behalf.
He also had confidence in God’s faithfulness. He had redeemed them from Egypt (Ex. 14:13–31) and had also set them free from bondage in Babylon. Would He not, in His faithfulness, help them rebuild the city? Nehemiah had confidence that God would raise up other people to help him in his work. He was sure that many other Jews were also praying and that they would rally to the cause once they heard that God was at work.

4. He cared enough to volunteer (Neh. 1:11) God does “exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us (Eph. 3:20). If God is going to answer prayer, He must start by working in the one doing the praying! He works in us and through us to help us see our prayers answered.
While Nehemiah was praying, his burden for Jerusalem became greater and his vision of what needed to be done became clearer. Real prayer keeps your heart and your head in balance so your burden doesn’t make you impatient to run ahead of the Lord and ruin everything. As we pray, God tells us what to do, when to do it, and how to do it; and all are important to the accomplishing of the will of God.
Nehemiah planned to volunteer to go to Jerusalem to supervise the rebuilding of the walls. He didn’t pray for God to send somebody else, nor did he argue that he was ill-equipped for such a difficult task. He simply said, “Here am I—send me!”
The cupbearer would have to sacrifice the comfort and security of the palace for the rigors and dangers of life in a city. Luxury would be replaced by ruins, and prestige by ridicule and slander. And with the help of God, he did it! In fifty-two days, the walls were rebuilt, the gates were restored, and the people were rejoicing! And it all started with a man who cared.
Abraham cared and rescued Lot from Sodom (Gen. 18–19). Moses cared and delivered the Israelites from Egypt. David cared and brought the nation and the kingdom back to the Lord. Esther cared and risked her life to save her nation from genocide. Paul cared and took the Gospel throughout the Roman Empire. Jesus cared and died on the cross for a lost world.
God is still looking for people who care, people like Nehemiah, who cared enough to ask for the facts, weep over the needs, pray for God’s help, and then volunteer to get the job done.
“Here am I, Lord—send me!”