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Brothers in the faith,

I know that most of us have heard a sermon or read about Nehemiah, for whatever reason this is what I'm suppose to share with you.

"NEHEMIAH"

And I went out by night by the gate of the valley, even before the dragon well, and to the dung gate, and viewed the walls of Jerusalem, which were broken down, and its gates were consumed with fire. Then I went on to the gate of the fountain, and to the King's pool...

Then went I up in the night by the brook... and turned back, and entered by the gate of the valley."

HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED HOW DID NEHEMIAH WIN FAVOR WITH THE KING?

Although Artaxerxes allowed Ezra to beautify the temple in Jerusalem in his seventh year (Ezra 7:8), he expressly forbade the building of the wall (Ezra 4:16,21). The city had a long infamous record of rebellion (Ezra 4:15,19). The fact that four months passed before Nehemiah made his request to the king indicates its serious nature (cf. Nehemiah 1:1; 2: 1). For Nehemiah to be made governor of Judah and be able to fortify its capital revealed the tremendous trust the king placed in his cupbearer. Because he was indirectly involved in the assassination of his father, Artaxeres was well aware of the danger of poisoned wine. Nehemiah had the responsibility of protecting the king's life by keeping the poison out of his cup. It was a high position of trust which he faithfully and competenly fulfilled. Artaxerxes was now looking to Nehemiah as he had in the past to preserve his interests in Israel by allowing him to fortify Jerusalem. If Nehemiah led Judah into a revolt against Artaxerxes by making an alliance with Egypt and Athens, the King could have possibly lost the entire area south of the Euphrates river (cf. Ezra 4:16). However, If Nehemiah remained loyal to his master, as artaxeres fully expected, it would do much to stabilize the entire area.

HOW DO WE KNOW IF NEHEMIAH'S MOTIVES WERE PURE?

Nehemiah's concern for God's reputation above his own is apparent in his humble and reverential prayer (Nehemiah 1:4-10). He lived in the splendid capital of the pagan Persian Empire while Jerusalem, the residence of the temple of God, lay in ruins. Like Jeremiah he could weep and say, "How doth the city sit solitary, that was full of people; how is she become a widow! She that was great among the nations, a princess among the provinces; how is she become tributary. (Lamentations 1:1). Nehemiah knew that the cause of the situation was the disobedience of his own people, but other nations would think that the God of Israel was less powerful than their gods. Nehemiah's concern was for the spiritual restoration of his people, and he realized the importance of rebuilding the city which was the center of the nation's spiritual activities. He was willing to leave his position of prestige and safety in order to help accomplish this task.

LAST QUESTION: HOW WAS NEHEMIAH ABLE TO GET THE JOB DONE SO QUICKLY?

Nehemiah had won the favor and confidence of the King; however, he knew that when govenors Sanballat, Tobiah and Geshem learned of his ambitious project these jealous leaders would go to the king to stop the reconstruction. Nehemiah calculated that he had only a few months before the king's message could be delivered and returned from Jerusalem to susa (cf. Ezra 7:8,9). It was imperative, therefore, that he get the job down within that period of time. He accomplished this by having each man concentrate on a small section of wall which bordered his property. By working long hours and not being distracted or discouraged by their opponents diversionary tactics, they were able to complete it in the alloted time period. nehemiah met each opposition of the enemy wisely and accurately, careful to choose a course that would nullify their undermining efforts.

We at C3 church are in the midst of a building project,with the blessings of the father. Nehemiah also had the blessings of his authority figure. Despite threats, blackmail and false accusation - an incredible task is accomplished. When Sanballat, govenor of Samaria, Tobiah, govenor of Ammon, and Geshem, leader of the Arabs who lived to the south of Judah heard of Nehemiah's action the three joined in an informal coalition to prevent the reconstruction of the wall. They first tried to discourage Nehemiah, then they demoralized the people. Next they gathered and army for a direct attack and then tried to blackmail Nehemiah by accusing him of treason. But these men failed in their attempts to trap Nehemiah because of his ability to outmaneuver his opponents.

Nehemiah finished his task in the incredibly short time of fifty-two days, but even then he did not consider his mission accomplished. He continued to use his influence to make Jerusalem a safe and attractive place to live. Because of his determined effort, the Lord used him to reestablish Jerusalem as the vital center for the Jews worship of their God.

"WITH INTEGRITY, YOUR CHARACTER STANDS ALONE UNDER GOD'S WATCHFUL EYE".

God's Servant,
Jim