I just recently started reading the book of Nehemiah and wow has it stirred a fire within me. Not only was Nehemiah called to do a daunting task of rebuilding Jerusalem’s wall but to also restore and give aid to the community and the Israelites. God will see it that His name be glorified and He surely does that through the characteristics and story of Nehemiah.
Recently I have had this fire to do more because I know more could be done. It has been proven time and time again throughout the Bible and throughout history. The one and only son of God was sent down, He lived 33 years as a human among everyday suffering, He wept for those who were lost, He died and gave His life so that we could live freely, then He rose again. He sacrificed everything for each and every single person to have lived, is living, and will live. I know more can be done for His kingdom. More has to be done. There are souls on the line that do not know the name and goodness of Jesus. The story that truly lit a bright burning fire within me is Nehemiah’s story. Just the first two chapters alone will make you want to step out in boldness.
The words of Nehemiah the son of Hacaliah.
Now it happened in the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Susa the citadel, 2 that Hanani, one of my brothers, came with certain men from Judah. And I asked them concerning the Jews who escaped, who had survived the exile, and concerning Jerusalem. 3 And they said to me, “The remnant there in the province who had survived the exile is in great trouble and shame. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are destroyed by fire.” 4 As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven. 5 And I said, “O Lord God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, 6 let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for the people of Israel your servants, confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Even I and my father’s house have sinned. 7 We have acted very corruptly against you and have not kept the commandments, the statutes, and the rules that you commanded your servant Moses. 8 Remember the word that you commanded your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the peoples, 9 but if you return to me and keep my commandments and do them, though your outcasts are in the uttermost parts of heaven, from there I will gather them and bring them to the place that I have chosen, to make my name dwell there.’ 10 They are your servants and your people, whom you have redeemed by your great power and by your strong hand. 11 O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayer of your servants who delight to fear your name, and give success to your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.”
As soon as Nehemiah was made aware of what happened in Jerusalem HE WEPT, HE FASTED, HE PRAYED. Although he was thousands of miles away he mourned for God’s children. Then immediately he repented for not only himself and his actions but for the actions of the Israelites. This was not just about the wall but about the spiritual health of the people. It was time for more. God anointed leaders like Nehemiah as a reminder for the need of repentance. Nehemiah was not only praying his behalf, but for those who delight in revering the name of God, as well as those who are lost. Verse 8 states that even the exiled people who are at the farthest horizon will be gathered from that place into a place that was chosen to dwell in for Jesus name. That is only if we continue to obey and return to the Father.
We have to rise up, obey Christ, return to Him no matter what. It is not just our souls on the line but the lost. We have to share the good news that there is redemption in Jesus name. It is not about us. It is about Him. Souls are being lost every second. We have to be bold like Nehemiah. Repent for what we have done and stand firm in the truth. The Lord will restore even those who seem too far gone. Let’s make His glory known to the ends of the Earth and in the darkest places. Let us not go a day without repenting. Let us not go a day without thanking the Father. Rise up. Make HIS NAME KNOWN.
