People Series: Nehemiah, the cup-bearer - Raising Zion

Often overlooked, he is a hero of faith required for these last days. I’d like to briefly share only five points from Nehemiah’s life for your edification.

Burdened for the House of God

And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven, (Nehemiah 1:4)

Nehemiah’s heart for the house of God is revealed in his actions as he wept, fasted and prayed for a confirmation from God.

In Nehemiah 2:1-5, we see how Nehemiah did not hesitate to speak up concerning his desire to restore the house of God to the king. Often we let go of important responsibilities for the kingdom of God because of the burden in the workplace. 

Humbled himself

“Let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open, that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant, which I pray before thee now, day and night, for the children of Israel thy servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against thee: both I and my father’s house have sinned.” (‭‭Nehemiah‬ ‭1:6‬)

Nehemiah humbled himself in a way alien to many Christians of today. While he cried and blamed himself for the state of his people; many Christians today are lost protesting for rights on earth. Instead of labouring for the kingdom of God, many are falling for the social justice trap. At the outset it does look like these (misguided) Christians are trying to help the helpless. What they don’t realise is it’s a never ending cycle of issues conspired to keep them away from God and focus on problems and people. The world needs Jesus! In Christ we are one. 

Nehemiah’s humility helped him see what was necessary for Israel. Instead of protesting or fighting for his people’s rights he prayed and heard from God. Not only did God answer him but he found favour in the sight of man too. 

Diligent and Faithful 

“And I arose in the night, I and some few men with me; neither told I any man what my God had put in my heart to do at Jerusalem: neither was there any beast with me, save the beast that I rode upon.” (‭‭Nehemiah‬ ‭2:12‬)

He was committed to his calling and led by example. He inspected the ruins on his own before sharing his burden with others. He did not let others do his work for him. He made sure to assess the damage himself and then requested for his needs accordingly from the king who favoured him.

Loving Heart

“So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work.

Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them.

And it came to pass from that time forth, that the half of my servants wrought in the work, and the other half of them held both the spears, the shields, and the bows, and the habergeons; and the rulers were behind all the house of Judah.” (‭‭Nehemiah‬ ‭4:6, 9, 16‬)

Nehemiah led a people who were like him with a mind to work. Opposition was aplenty, and Nehemiah made sure that a watch was set day and night. He appointed a group of people to guard with weapons and another to continue the work.

As spiritual Israel, we need to learn to be as committed in our prayer life as we build the hearts and minds of our children and youth in the word of God. God’s Love makes it possible.

Peace and Order

In Nehemiah 13:23-27,30, we along with Ezra the priest, Nehemiah gets the book of law to be read out again so people may return to the ways of God.

God has given us His Word and His Holy Spirit to walk in line with His heart. Not only that the fellowship of His saints keeps us humble. The testimonies and gifts of grace of our fellow brothers and sisters reveal the mighty work of God in each one’s lives. It keeps us in check and united, in spirit and in truth. 

Every church today has found itself compromised. The lack of fervent prayer and slack in spiritual disciplines have led to falling away from the first love. It’s time for believers to repent, and walk in the yoke of Christ faithfully. To be burdened for the house of God and move in the leading of the Holy Spirit. As the Spirit stirs and steers us into rebuilding the walls of New Jerusalem and Zion in our hearts.