Nehemiah: Faith, Courage, and Divine Purpose
Summary
### Summary
Today's sermon delved into the profound narrative of Nehemiah, focusing on his role as the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes and the significant events that unfolded as he sought to rebuild Jerusalem. Nehemiah's story is a testament to the power of faith, courage, and divine guidance. Despite the potential dangers and the emotional weight of his mission, Nehemiah approached the king with a heavy heart, driven by the plight of his homeland. The king, recognizing Nehemiah's value and sincerity, granted him permission to return to Jerusalem, providing him with letters of authority and a military escort.
Nehemiah's journey was not just a physical one but also a deeply spiritual endeavor. His initial secretive inspection of Jerusalem's walls highlighted his strategic and thoughtful approach. He understood the gravity of the task ahead and the opposition he would face from figures like Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem. These adversaries represented not just political and social challenges but also spiritual ones, testing Nehemiah's resolve and faith.
The sermon also touched on the broader theme of God's anointed ones, drawing parallels between Nehemiah and other biblical figures like Hazael, Jehu, and Elisha. These individuals, though diverse in their roles, were all chosen by God to fulfill specific purposes. The discussion extended to the concept of the Messiah, exploring how figures like Cyrus were seen as precursors to the ultimate Messiah, Jesus Christ. This exploration underscored the evolving understanding of divine anointment and the multifaceted roles that God's chosen ones play in His grand plan.
### Key Takeaways
1. Nehemiah's Courage and Faith: Nehemiah's approach to King Artaxerxes, despite his fear, exemplifies the courage that comes from deep faith. His willingness to speak up for his people, even at great personal risk, teaches us the importance of advocating for justice and righteousness, trusting that God will guide and protect us. [12:23]
2. Divine Guidance in Leadership: Nehemiah's secretive inspection of Jerusalem's walls before revealing his plans to the people shows the importance of wisdom and discernment in leadership. He sought God's guidance and carefully assessed the situation before taking action, reminding us to seek divine wisdom in our endeavors. [16:43]
3. Opposition and Perseverance: The opposition from Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem highlights the inevitable challenges we face when pursuing God's work. Nehemiah's response, focusing on God's promise and dismissing the naysayers, encourages us to remain steadfast and trust in God's provision, even when faced with adversity. [40:16]
4. The Role of God's Anointed: The sermon explored the roles of various anointed figures in the Bible, emphasizing that God's chosen ones are equipped for specific purposes. Whether it's leading a nation, destroying unrighteousness, or being a prophet, each role is vital in God's plan. This teaches us that our unique callings are significant and divinely appointed. [49:33]
5. The Evolving Concept of the Messiah: The discussion on Cyrus as God's anointed one and the parallels to John the Baptist and Jesus Christ illustrates the evolving understanding of the Messiah. It shows that God's plan is progressive and multifaceted, preparing us to recognize and embrace the ultimate fulfillment of His promises in Jesus. [52:50]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[11:28] - Nehemiah's Role and Emotional State
[12:23] - Nehemiah's Courage Before the King
[13:33] - Historical and Scholarly Insights
[14:59] - The Intimate Setting of Nehemiah's Service
[16:43] - Nehemiah's Strategic Inspection
[18:08] - The King's Response and Nehemiah's Request
[20:43] - The Prayer of Nehemiah
[22:08] - Nehemiah's Value to the King
[23:56] - The Role of Persian Cupbearers
[26:08] - Nehemiah's Request for Letters and Timber
[27:21] - The Political Climate of Nehemiah's Time
[28:37] - Nehemiah's Political Savvy
[30:05] - Nehemiah's Military Retinue
[31:47] - The King's Paradise and Nehemiah's Resources
[34:08] - Opposition from Sanballat and Tobiah
[36:06] - Nehemiah's Power and Influence
[37:36] - The Political and Religious Opposition
[38:59] - Nehemiah's Secretive Inspection
[40:16] - Nehemiah's Call to Rebuild
[41:50] - Nehemiah's Response to Opposition
[44:23] - The Development of the Messiah Concept
[46:03] - The Role of Priests as Anointed Ones
[49:35] - Hazael, Jehu, and Elisha as Anointed Ones
[52:50] - Cyrus as God's Anointed
[55:34] - The Prophetic Role of Cyrus
[58:48] - The Evolving Understanding of the Messiah
[01:00:12] - Conclusion and Next Steps
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Nehemiah 2:1-8 (ESV)
> In the month of Nisan, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was before him, I took up the wine and gave it to the king. Now I had not been sad in his presence. And the king said to me, “Why is your face sad, seeing you are not sick? This is nothing but sadness of the heart.” Then I was very much afraid. I said to the king, “Let the king live forever! Why should not my face be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers' graves, lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?” Then the king said to me, “What are you requesting?” So I prayed to the God of heaven. And I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, that you send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers' graves, that I may rebuild it.” And the king said to me (the queen sitting beside him), “How long will you be gone, and when will you return?” So it pleased the king to send me when I had given him a time. And I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, let letters be given me to the governors of the province Beyond the River, that they may let me pass through until I come to Judah, and a letter to Asaph, the keeper of the king's forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the fortress of the temple, and for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall occupy.” And the king granted me what I asked, for the good hand of my God was upon me.
2. Isaiah 45:1-3 (ESV)
> Thus says the Lord to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have grasped, to subdue nations before him and to loose the belts of kings, to open doors before him that gates may not be closed: “I will go before you and level the exalted places, I will break in pieces the doors of bronze and cut through the bars of iron, I will give you the treasures of darkness and the hoards in secret places, that you may know that it is I, the Lord, the God of Israel, who call you by your name.
### Observation Questions
1. What was Nehemiah's role in the Persian court, and how did he use his position to help his people? [11:28]
2. How did Nehemiah prepare for his mission to rebuild Jerusalem before revealing his plans to the people? [16:43]
3. Who were the main adversaries Nehemiah faced, and what were their motivations for opposing him? [34:08]
4. According to Isaiah 45:1-3, what specific tasks did God assign to Cyrus, and how does this relate to the concept of divine anointment?
### Interpretation Questions
1. What does Nehemiah's courage in approaching King Artaxerxes teach us about the relationship between faith and action? [12:23]
2. How does Nehemiah's secretive inspection of Jerusalem's walls demonstrate the importance of strategic planning in leadership? [16:43]
3. In what ways do the adversaries Nehemiah faced represent broader spiritual and political challenges that believers might encounter today? [34:08]
4. How does the role of Cyrus as described in Isaiah 45:1-3 expand our understanding of God's use of non-Israelite leaders in His divine plan?
### Application Questions
1. Nehemiah showed great courage in speaking up for his people despite the risks. Can you think of a situation where you need to advocate for justice or righteousness? How can you prepare yourself to take that step? [12:23]
2. Nehemiah sought God's guidance and carefully assessed the situation before taking action. How can you incorporate seeking divine wisdom into your daily decision-making processes? [16:43]
3. When faced with opposition, Nehemiah focused on God's promise and dismissed the naysayers. How can you remain steadfast in your faith when you encounter challenges or criticism? [40:16]
4. The sermon highlighted the roles of various anointed figures in the Bible. What unique calling do you feel God has placed on your life, and how can you pursue it with confidence that it is divinely appointed? [49:33]
5. The evolving concept of the Messiah shows that God's plan is progressive and multifaceted. How can you stay open to the ways God might be working in your life that you do not yet understand? [52:50]
6. Nehemiah's story emphasizes the importance of strategic planning and leadership. What steps can you take to become a more effective leader in your community or church?
7. Reflecting on the opposition Nehemiah faced, how can you support others in your community who are working towards God's purposes, especially when they face criticism or resistance? [34:08]
Devotional
Day 1: Courage Rooted in Faith
Nehemiah's approach to King Artaxerxes, despite his fear, exemplifies the courage that comes from deep faith. His willingness to speak up for his people, even at great personal risk, teaches us the importance of advocating for justice and righteousness, trusting that God will guide and protect us. Nehemiah's heart was heavy with the plight of his homeland, and he could not hide his sorrow from the king. This vulnerability, coupled with his faith, moved the king to grant him permission to return to Jerusalem and rebuild its walls. Nehemiah's story reminds us that when we step out in faith, even in the face of fear, God can move the hearts of those in authority to support His plans. [12:23]
Nehemiah 2:2-5 (ESV): "And the king said to me, 'Why is your face sad, seeing you are not sick? This is nothing but sadness of the heart.' Then I was very much afraid. I said to the king, 'Let the king live forever! Why should not my face be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers' graves, lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?' Then the king said to me, 'What are you requesting?' So I prayed to the God of heaven. And I said to the king, 'If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, that you send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers' graves, that I may rebuild it.'"
Reflection: Think of a situation where you need to speak up for justice or righteousness. How can you trust God to guide and protect you as you take that step of faith today?
Day 2: Wisdom in Leadership
Nehemiah's secretive inspection of Jerusalem's walls before revealing his plans to the people shows the importance of wisdom and discernment in leadership. He sought God's guidance and carefully assessed the situation before taking action. This strategic approach allowed him to understand the full scope of the task ahead and to prepare for the opposition he would face. Nehemiah's example teaches us to seek divine wisdom in our endeavors, to plan thoughtfully, and to act with discernment. By doing so, we can lead effectively and fulfill the purposes God has set before us. [16:43]
Proverbs 2:6-8 (ESV): "For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to seek God's wisdom and discernment? How can you take a step today to thoughtfully assess and plan for this area?
Day 3: Perseverance Amidst Opposition
The opposition from Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem highlights the inevitable challenges we face when pursuing God's work. Nehemiah's response, focusing on God's promise and dismissing the naysayers, encourages us to remain steadfast and trust in God's provision, even when faced with adversity. Nehemiah did not allow the threats and mockery of his enemies to deter him from his mission. Instead, he relied on God's strength and continued to work diligently. This teaches us the importance of perseverance and faithfulness in the face of opposition, knowing that God is with us and will see us through. [40:16]
Nehemiah 4:14 (ESV): "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.'"
Reflection: What challenges or opposition are you currently facing in your pursuit of God's work? How can you focus on God's promises and remain steadfast in your mission today?
Day 4: The Significance of God's Anointed
The sermon explored the roles of various anointed figures in the Bible, emphasizing that God's chosen ones are equipped for specific purposes. Whether it's leading a nation, destroying unrighteousness, or being a prophet, each role is vital in God's plan. This teaches us that our unique callings are significant and divinely appointed. Just as Nehemiah was chosen to rebuild Jerusalem, we too have been given specific roles and tasks by God. Recognizing and embracing our divine appointments allows us to contribute meaningfully to God's grand plan. [49:33]
Isaiah 61:1 (ESV): "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound."
Reflection: What unique calling or role has God given you? How can you embrace and fulfill this divine appointment in your daily life?
Day 5: The Progressive Revelation of the Messiah
The discussion on Cyrus as God's anointed one and the parallels to John the Baptist and Jesus Christ illustrates the evolving understanding of the Messiah. It shows that God's plan is progressive and multifaceted, preparing us to recognize and embrace the ultimate fulfillment of His promises in Jesus. This progressive revelation helps us see the continuity and depth of God's redemptive work throughout history. By understanding the roles of various anointed figures, we gain a deeper appreciation for the culmination of God's plan in Jesus Christ, the ultimate Messiah. [52:50]
Isaiah 45:1-3 (ESV): "Thus says the Lord to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have grasped, to subdue nations before him and to loose the belts of kings, to open doors before him that gates may not be closed: 'I will go before you and level the exalted places, I will break in pieces the doors of bronze and cut through the bars of iron, I will give you the treasures of darkness and the hoards in secret places, that you may know that it is I, the Lord, the God of Israel, who call you by your name.'"
Reflection: How does understanding the progressive revelation of the Messiah deepen your appreciation for Jesus Christ? What steps can you take today to embrace and share this understanding with others?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "You see the trouble we are in, how Jerusalem lies in ruins with its gates burned. Come, let us build the wall of Jerusalem that we may no longer suffer derision. And I told them of the hand of my God that had been upon me for good. Also the words of the king had spoken to me and they said, let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for the good work." [39:00] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The God of heaven will make us prosper and we his servants will arise and build. But you have no portion or right or claim in Jerusalem." [40:16] (11 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, who formed you from the womb, I am the Lord who made all things. Who alone stretched out the heavens, who spread out the earth by myself, who who frustrates the signs of liars, who makes fools of diviners, who turns wise men back and makes their knowledge foolish, who confirms the word of the servant and fulfills the counsel of his messengers." [52:11] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I am the Lord, there is no other. Besides me there is no God. I equip you, though you do not know me. That people may know from the rising of the sun and from the west that there is none besides me. I am the Lord, there is no other." [53:27] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Nehemiah is already having in mind, through the writing, these guys are going to be doing a lot of work, and they don't even know it yet. It's like when mom wakes up. The kids, don't even know what's coming. But mom does. Mom's come to Jerusalem." [38:59] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Nehemiah comes in with power. Ezra comes in with zeal, but he's very passive. Other people around him wind up making the decisions and he probably influences it, but they are the ones saying. Nehemiah doesn't wait for that. I mean, once you pull out somebody's beard, hair, you have a reputation." [36:06] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So Nehemiah comes to Jerusalem in verse 11, and when he gets there, he's there for three days, and he tells nobody what he's going to do, which I am. And I imagine caused a lot of fear and terror and wondering, and probably on every news network, they were wondering about what is his motivation and why is he here with a bunch of troops and all these official letters." [38:59] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "So Nehemiah leaves. Verse nine. Then I came to the governors of the province beyond the river and gave them the king's letters. Now the king had sent with me officers of the army and horsemen. But when Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite servant heard this, it displeased them greatly that someone had come to seek the well. Fair of the people of Israel." [34:08] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So Nehemiah is upset and he says it's because of what's going on at home, he just says, what do you want? What are you requesting of me? What are you asking of me? Because this is the laws of the Medes and the Persians. You can't just change things once the king has made a decree." [18:08] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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