Question of the day: If you were to try something new this year what would you like that to be?
Introduction
This morning we are starting a new study. A new book of the bible. I am excited about this study. It is a book that has challenged me and been not only thought provoking but has inspired me to action. I really hope that you will spend time these next few months reading this book on your own time as well as being in class as we discuss the richness that you will find in the text.
Who is Nehemiah?
In the NIV study bible it reads, "Nehemiah was a common man in a unique position. He was secure and successful as the cupbearer to the Persian King Artaxerxes. Nehemiah had little power, but he had great influence. He was trusted by the king. He was also a man of God, concerned about the fate of Jerusalem."
What was the historic setting for this book?
READ: Nehemiah 1:1-11
Nehemiah’s Prayer
1 The words of Nehemiah son of Hakaliah:
In the month of Kislev in the twentieth year, while I was in the citadel of Susa, 2 Hanani, one of my brothers, came from Judah with some other men, and I questioned them about the Jewish remnant that had survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem.
3 They said to me, “Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.”
4 When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. 5 Then I said:
“Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, 6 let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s family, have committed against you. 7 We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses.
8 “Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, 9 but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.’
10 “They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great strength and your mighty hand. 11 Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.”
I was cupbearer to the king.
Nehemiah asks how things are back in Judah and what does he learn?
Why was the walls and the gates not being present so important?
Do we need walls and gates around us?
How does Nehemiah react to the news?
Why such a reaction?
Have you ever seen or experienced something in the church or in your lives personally that needed to get done and it really upset you that it still wasn't done?
What does Nehemiah do after his initial reaction?
I want us to take a moment and look at the contents of his prayer.
How does he start his prayer?
“Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, 6 let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel."
Next what does he do?
"I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s family, have committed against you. 7 We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses."Confession, how important is it?
How often do we really confess?
Is there a need for corporate confession?
What is the purpose of confession?
What does he say next?
"8 “Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, 9 but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.’
10 “They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great strength and your mighty hand."
Then he ends his prayer with what?
11 "Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.”Who is this man?
The clue is in the last sentence of the first chapter. It is the King.
What is Nehemiah asking for?
What is Nehemiah NOT asking for?
When reading this chapter for the first time, it struck me that Nehemiah heard about the need that should have already been taken care of, something that was much needed and was putting his people at risk because it hadn't been done and he stepped into action! He was upset, crying and angry and so he turns to God, praises Him, confesses their sins, and then has an ask which isn't just asking God to take care of the issue but that God will bless him in his efforts to get jump into action. Nehemiah wasn't just a bystander. He didn't just complain and he didn't just pray that God would take care of things, he stepped up!
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