Bible Chapter: Nehemiah 1 & 2

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    The nation had been returning from exile back to Judah.  But, things were not going well.  Nehemiah received a report that the people were in distress and that the wall of Jerusalem was broken down.  He sat down and wept.  He fasted and prayed for many days.  He prayed for God to prosper him and grant him mercy.
    Nehemiah was King Artaxerxes’ cupbearer.  For the first time he was sad in the presence of the king.  When the king asked him the reason, Nehemiah said a last quick prayer (God help me now) and told him about the sad state of the city of Jerusalem.  He wanted permission to go back and help rebuild it.  Permission was granted and he returned to lead the task.  There were two men, Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite, whose greatest goal was to give him trouble and prevent the completion of the task.  They would become a thorn in the flesh of the people.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    The people had been taken to exile because of their sin.  God had promised that they would return.  There had been a few groups that had returned and accomplished some of their goals.  God used Nehemiah to complete the task or rebuilding the wall.  In the process of all of this they had opposition.  Yet, they prayed and trusted God.  Then they got to work.
    This is a good illustration of what to do when God gives a person a task.  When the opposition comes, pray and keep working.  When Sanballat and Tobiah laughed at them, they simply replied that God Himself would prosper them.  So, they got busy and built the wall.

3.  How can I help someone?
    When working for the Lord, there will be battles.  Keep the focus and stay busy doing what God has called you to do.