I told them how the hand of my God had been favorable to me and also about the king's words which he had spoken to me. Then they said, "Let us arise and build." So they put their hands to the good work.
Nehemiah 2:18 NAS
The Book of Nehemiah is an incredible example of what God will accomplish when His children agree, assemble, and act, as one. Oneness is woven into every chapter, challenge, and celebration of this account of the people of Israel rebuilding the wall and restoring righteous worship and living according to the commands of God. The Israelites had been carried away as slaves after being divided and then defeated. Nehemiah, the cupbearer to the King, hears of the ruins of his hometown and nation, and he mourns, fasts, and prays for multiple days, taking a posture of humility before the Lord and taking corporate responsibility in confession and repentance of the sins that have been committed. One man prays for the sake of all, as one, and prays the promises of God back to God. Nehemiah could have stopped there and remained comfortable in the king’s palace, but instead, he goes on to pray and ask God to give him favor to go and be a part of rebuilding Jerusalem with those who have returned.
I often tell people, “If you have time to think about it, then you have time to pray about it.” It is a powerful moment when our thoughts, our frustrations or even heartbreak turns us to prayer to a God who calls us to “Cast our cares” to Him, but it is a humble and holy moment when we pray for God to give us favor to be a part of the solution that brings wholeness through oneness.
Chapter two finds Nehemiah serving the king and queen and them not just noticing his sadness but asking how they can, in essence, serve him to relieve and resolve his pain. Notice they don’t tell Nehemiah how to deal with his problem or to just “get over it.” They ask Nehemiah, “What do you request?” In prayer, Nehemiah is ready to respond with his list of letters and favors. Not only do they grant his requests, but they sent an army with him for protection and to obtain the provisions he needed. There is always strength in numbers, even Jesus never sent a disciple out alone. I imagine at least one of the officers thought, “Why am I protecting this servant to go rebuild a city I care nothing about” but they went because they were sent. Many times, we don’t understand our assignment but we understand the authority of the King of Kings who sent us.
Upon arriving in Jerusalem, Nehemiah goes out in the night to inspect and assess the damage to every area of the broken-down walls and gates of the city. He then gathers with what appears to be at least a representation of all the people, “the Jews, the priests, the nobles, the officials or the rest who did the work.” Today in the U.S. this would read, "the Americans, religious leaders, government, military, and all who work” — that’s just about everyone, and Nehemiah shares in the despair that they are living in and at the end of verse seventeen, he rallies them to rebuild with him. “Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem so that we will no longer be a reproach." His oneness is undeniable even though he has a cozy bed waiting for him at the castle; he is ready to roll up his sleeves and not only rebuild their walls but restore their reputation.
We will continue this journey through Nehemiah next week, but for now we will pause at verse eighteen, with great applause at the people’s response to Nehemiah’s offer. “I told them how the hand of my God had been favorable to me and also about the king's words which he had spoken to me. Then they said, "Let us arise and build." So they put their hands to the good work.
Please take some time to think and pray through these questions.
- Is prayer your first response when you encounter a problem?
- Are you willing to serve and sacrifice for the sake of others even if the problem really doesn’t affect your life or lifestyle?
- If you have been struggling with a situation, do you have a ready response if someone asked, “What are your requests?” just as the king asked Nehemiah.
- Are you known for mainly delegating, or as a person who is willing to put on the work gloves and serve? How does this exhibit and encourage oneness with others?
- What needs to get done in your home, workplace, community and country? Would you be willing to pray about it and then pull together to get it done?
Would you please join in prayer?
Heavenly Father, thank you for the unique abilities and resources You have given to every single person living in this generation. Every person made in Your image for Your purpose and glory. We are both unique, yet united, as You have called us “ONE.” One Body and Christ as the head to be the fullness of the Church. Individually and corporately, we are one of ONE, never divided or divisive, but Your children created to be eternal spiritual siblings by the blood of Jesus and the profession of our faith by grace. We ask that You soften our hearts to honor and love one another, to strengthen us to be courageously compassionate and to bear one another’s burdens yet responsible to get up every day and live out the eternal assignment and earthly life in righteousness and fruitfulness. Bind us together for the good of one another and the glory of our God that we serve so the world may believe You sent Your Son and believe in Him as their Savior. In the wonderful name of Jesus we pray as one, Amen!
Serving Him with gladness,
Kathy Branzell
President
