Responding to Brokenness: A Call to Action

 

Summary

In today's gathering, I shared a heartfelt message about the urgent need for godly perspective and action in our world, drawing from the story of Nehemiah. Nehemiah, despite living a comfortable life as the king's cupbearer, was deeply moved by the plight of his people in Jerusalem. His response to the devastating news was immediate and profound: he turned to God in prayer, fasting, and repentance. This narrative serves as a powerful reminder that we, too, are called to respond to the brokenness around us with compassion and action.

Our world today mirrors the desolation Nehemiah faced, with countless people suffering from war, famine, and spiritual darkness. The American church, once a beacon of missionary zeal, has become complacent, often distracted by the pursuit of comfort. Yet, the call to reach, rescue, and restore remains as urgent as ever. We must be willing to step out of our comfort zones, to see the world through God's eyes, and to engage in His mission with fervor and dedication.

Nehemiah's story teaches us the importance of prayer that is relentless and rooted in a genuine burden for God's glory. It challenges us to confess our sins and seek God's mercy, not just for ourselves but for our communities and nations. We are reminded that God's promises are sure, and when our prayers align with His Word, we can trust in His faithfulness to act.

As we reflect on Nehemiah's example, we are called to recognize that our positions, resources, and influence are not by chance. God has placed us where we are for a purpose, and we must be willing to use what we have for His glory. Whether it means going across the world or simply reaching out to those around us, we are invited to be part of God's redemptive work.

In closing, I urge each of us to examine our hearts and consider how we can be involved in God's mission. It's not about financial contributions, but about a heart fully surrendered to God's will. Let us join together in prayer, seeking divine intervention and committing to be vessels of change in a world that desperately needs the hope of the gospel.

Key Takeaways:

1. Godly Perspective and Action: Nehemiah's story reminds us of the importance of having a godly perspective in the face of brokenness. We are called to see the world through God's eyes and respond with compassion and action, stepping out of our comfort zones to engage in His mission. [44:46]

2. Relentless Prayer: Nehemiah's response to the news of Jerusalem's desolation was to turn to God in relentless prayer. This teaches us the power of prayer that is born out of a genuine burden for God's glory, urging us to pray persistently until our prayers are answered. [49:23]

3. Confession and Repentance: Nehemiah's prayer included confession of sins, both personal and communal. This highlights the importance of keeping short accounts with God, seeking His mercy, and aligning our hearts with His will to see our prayers answered. [54:32]

4. God's Promises and Our Role: Nehemiah held God accountable to His promises, reminding us that when our prayers are founded on Scripture, we can trust in God's faithfulness. We are called to recognize that our positions and resources are not by chance, but are given for His glory. [01:01:01]

5. Involvement in God's Mission: We are invited to be part of God's redemptive work, using our influence and resources to reach the world with the gospel. Whether it means going across the world or reaching out locally, we must be willing to be vessels of change. [01:04:30]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Introduction and Ministry Update
- [03:45] - Nehemiah's Context and Call
- [07:20] - The State of the World Today
- [12:00] - The Need for Godly Perspective
- [16:15] - Nehemiah's Response to Crisis
- [20:40] - The Power of Relentless Prayer
- [25:10] - Confession and Repentance
- [30:00] - Holding God to His Promises
- [35:45] - Recognizing Our Role and Influence
- [40:30] - The Call to Be Involved
- [45:50] - Personal Reflections and Stories
- [50:30] - Encouragement to Join the Mission
- [55:00] - Closing Prayer and Invitation

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Nehemiah 1:1-11

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Observation Questions:

1. What was Nehemiah's initial reaction upon hearing the news about Jerusalem's desolation? How did he respond to this news? [44:46]

2. In Nehemiah's prayer, what attributes of God does he acknowledge and praise? [49:23]

3. How does Nehemiah incorporate confession into his prayer, and what does he confess? [54:32]

4. What role does Nehemiah see himself playing in God's plan, and how does he prepare to take action? [01:01:01]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. Why might Nehemiah's position as the king's cupbearer be significant in the context of his mission to rebuild Jerusalem? [01:01:01]

2. How does Nehemiah's prayer reflect a balance between acknowledging God's sovereignty and expressing personal and communal repentance? [54:32]

3. What does Nehemiah's story suggest about the relationship between prayer and action in the face of overwhelming challenges? [49:23]

4. How does the sermon suggest that the American church has become complacent, and what is the proposed solution to this issue? [44:46]

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Application Questions:

1. Nehemiah was deeply moved by the plight of his people. Is there a specific issue or group of people in your community or the world that burdens your heart? How can you respond to this burden in a practical way? [44:46]

2. Nehemiah's prayer was relentless and rooted in a genuine burden for God's glory. How can you cultivate a more persistent prayer life, especially for issues that deeply concern you? [49:23]

3. Confession was a key part of Nehemiah's prayer. Are there personal or communal sins that you need to confess to align your heart with God's will? How can confession become a regular part of your spiritual practice? [54:32]

4. Nehemiah recognized that his position and resources were not by chance. What resources or influence do you have that could be used for God's glory? How can you start using them this week? [01:01:01]

5. The sermon calls for involvement in God's mission. What steps can you take to become more actively involved in reaching, rescuing, and restoring those in need, both locally and globally? [01:04:30]

6. Reflect on the idea that the American church has become complacent. In what ways might you have become comfortable in your faith, and how can you challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone? [44:46]

7. Nehemiah's story is a call to action. What is one specific action you can take this week to be a vessel of change in your community or church? [01:04:30]

Devotional

Day 1: Seeing the World Through God's Eyes
In the story of Nehemiah, we find a man who, despite his comfortable position as the king's cupbearer, was deeply moved by the plight of his people in Jerusalem. His response to the devastating news was immediate and profound: he turned to God in prayer, fasting, and repentance. This narrative serves as a powerful reminder that we, too, are called to respond to the brokenness around us with compassion and action. Our world today mirrors the desolation Nehemiah faced, with countless people suffering from war, famine, and spiritual darkness. The American church, once a beacon of missionary zeal, has become complacent, often distracted by the pursuit of comfort. Yet, the call to reach, rescue, and restore remains as urgent as ever. We must be willing to step out of our comfort zones, to see the world through God's eyes, and to engage in His mission with fervor and dedication. [44:46]

"For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him." (2 Chronicles 16:9a, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can step out of your comfort zone to engage with the brokenness around you today?


Day 2: The Power of Relentless Prayer
Nehemiah's response to the news of Jerusalem's desolation was to turn to God in relentless prayer. This teaches us the power of prayer that is born out of a genuine burden for God's glory, urging us to pray persistently until our prayers are answered. Nehemiah's story challenges us to cultivate a prayer life that is not only consistent but also fervent and aligned with God's will. In a world filled with distractions, it is easy to neglect the discipline of prayer, yet it remains a vital tool for spiritual growth and transformation. As we learn from Nehemiah, our prayers should be rooted in a deep desire to see God's glory revealed in our lives and the world around us. [49:23]

"Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving." (Colossians 4:2, ESV)

Reflection: Identify a specific situation or person in your life that needs prayer. How can you commit to praying for this consistently and fervently this week?


Day 3: Confession and Repentance
Nehemiah's prayer included confession of sins, both personal and communal. This highlights the importance of keeping short accounts with God, seeking His mercy, and aligning our hearts with His will to see our prayers answered. Confession and repentance are not just about acknowledging our wrongs but also about turning away from them and seeking God's forgiveness and guidance. In a culture that often downplays the seriousness of sin, Nehemiah's example reminds us of the need for humility and honesty before God. By confessing our sins and repenting, we open the door for God's healing and restoration in our lives and communities. [54:32]

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9, ESV)

Reflection: Take a moment to reflect on any unconfessed sins in your life. How can you bring these before God today and seek His forgiveness and guidance?


Day 4: Trusting in God's Promises
Nehemiah held God accountable to His promises, reminding us that when our prayers are founded on Scripture, we can trust in God's faithfulness. We are called to recognize that our positions and resources are not by chance, but are given for His glory. Nehemiah's story encourages us to stand firm on the promises of God, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill them. In a world where uncertainty and doubt often prevail, we can find assurance in the unchanging nature of God's Word. By aligning our prayers with Scripture, we can confidently trust in God's ability to act on our behalf and bring about His purposes. [01:01:01]

"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful." (Hebrews 10:23, ESV)

Reflection: What is one promise from Scripture that you need to hold onto today? How can you incorporate this promise into your prayers and daily life?


Day 5: Being Part of God's Redemptive Work
We are invited to be part of God's redemptive work, using our influence and resources to reach the world with the gospel. Whether it means going across the world or reaching out locally, we must be willing to be vessels of change. Nehemiah's story challenges us to recognize that our positions, resources, and influence are not by chance. God has placed us where we are for a purpose, and we must be willing to use what we have for His glory. As we reflect on Nehemiah's example, we are called to examine our hearts and consider how we can be involved in God's mission. It's not about financial contributions, but about a heart fully surrendered to God's will. [01:04:30]

"And he said to them, 'Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.'" (Mark 16:15, ESV)

Reflection: Consider your current position and resources. How can you use them to participate in God's redemptive work today, whether locally or globally?

Quotes

"In this passage of scripture, it's been about 150 years since Nebuchadnezzar and the armies of Babylon had invaded. It was devastating. This is ruthless pagans that had ransacked Jerusalem and Judah. Archaeologists believe that the Babylonians had systematically burned the city after capturing the Judea." [00:37:59] (19 seconds)


"But here in this passage of Scripture, I find people that were enslaved. They were destroyed. They were hopeless. They were abandoned. They felt mocked. They were victims. Every description that you could use to describe this situation really could be used to describe our world today as we look at things that are happening in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as the genocide is taking place in front of our very eyes, as we watch as people are starving to death in Haiti because the gangs have taken over the capital city and they have completely destroyed the way of life for people who have suffered greatly already. I could go on and on and talk about other countries and other situations and the political atmosphere that we see around our world. We may be thousands of years removed from the time of Nehemiah, but also I believe we live in a world that desperately needs people with a godly perspective, wanting to see a change take place, people that can see that marriages are being attacked, that morals are being thrown aside, that minds are being enslaved, that children are being mutilated, that cities are being decimated. It is clear to all that the American church in our day is really just a mere shell of what we used to be." [00:39:30] (71 seconds)


"And this morning, I'm here to encourage you. I'm here to implore you. I'm here to beg you to join the effort to reach, to rescue, and to restore through the power of what God can do through each and every one of us as individuals." [00:40:50] (16 seconds)


"And they said unto me, the remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach. The wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire. And it came to pass when I heard these words, I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven, and said, that I beseeched to you." [00:41:52] (26 seconds)


"O Lord God of heaven, the great and terrible God that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments, let thou nearer now be attentive and then I 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." [00:42:30] (23 seconds)


"Both I and my father's house have sinned. We have dealt very corruptly against thee and have not kept the commandments, nor the statutes, nor the judgments, which thou commandest thy servant Moses. Remember, I beseech thee the word that thou gavest thy servant Moses, saying, if ye transgress, I will scatter you abroad among the nations. But if you turn unto me, I, and keep my commandments and do them, though there were of you cast out unto the uttermost part of heaven, yet will I gather them from hence and will bring them unto the place that I have chosen now to set my name there. Now these are thy servants and thy people whom thou hast redeemed by thy great power and by thy strong hand." [00:42:53] (43 seconds)


"I love this passage of scripture because when I first start reading it, I can't help but look at how I find Nehemiah when this whole thing goes down. Nehemiah is really living the good life if you stop and think about it. I mean, when I look at this passage of scripture, it opens to show us that Nehemiah is in the king Artaxerxes' palace. He has a really good situation going for him in all respect. He could have been murdered, he could have been killed in the battle, he could have been carried away captive and enslaved to do some type of harsh manual labor, but what we find here is a man that's been taken into the king's palace." [00:43:36] (33 seconds)


"He has what seems like this amazing thing going because he's working for the king, he's probably eating some fine foods, he's around the foreign dignitaries as they would come in to visit the king. It's one of the most secure places that he could have been. He's really living a good life. Not only that, but as I start unfolding this passage, in the middle of his good life, all of a sudden, he has this grief -stricken messenger that shows up. We're told that this man shows up, the exact month and day are recorded for us because I believe it's recorded because Nehemiah wants you to make sure and understand this, I'll never forget that day." [00:44:08] (37 seconds)


"It was a seemingly normal day. I mean, I was dressed in my nice clothes. I was there in the palace. I'd probably had a good meal that day, but I will never forget the day that that man walked in the door. He came looking for me and he walked up to me and he delivered a message that would change my life forever. It would break my heart in a thousand pieces and would drive me straight to my knees asking God to do something in my life. His brother would come with this news that shattered the peaceful life he had and it would send him to his knees devastated." [00:44:46] (32 seconds)


"But as I continue reading verse number four, Nehemiah has this godly response to what happens. He recoils at the news. He's shaken to his core, but his immediate response was to run straight to God, his eyes to the hills because he knows that's where his help is going to come from. The help needed could only come from the Lord. And so through fasting, through tears, through prayer, all poured out from his heart because of what was happening to these vulnerable people, this man, instead of being happy in his position, his life is shattered. He's brought to his knees because he wants God to show himself strong." [00:45:24] (41 seconds)


"Nehemiah begins his prayer by exalting the Lord. He praises God for his superiority, for his strength, for his sovereignty, for his sacredness, for his sincerity. He praises God for who he is, and this is a lesson for us all to learn. I submit to you today that I'm right here with you. I'm not preaching to you. I'm preaching to all of us. We lose sight of the fact that he is a holy, sovereign, and a just God." [00:50:31] (28 seconds)


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Transcript
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