Verses 1 & 2: When Nehemiah learned from Hanani that Jerusalem was in ruin, he was deeply saddened. I found it interesting that he first cried out in prayer to the Lord to restore Jerusalem. Even as an ordinary man, the Lord had already placed Nehemiah in a position of influence as the king’s cupbearer.
After months, when the king finally noticed how saddened Nehemiah had become, he asked if he was sick. Again, before his reply, he said a quick prayer to the Lord. He demonstrates his love and faith in the Lord, and through this, he is rewarded by receiving permission of passage through foreign lands to Jerusalem, and also ordered others to supply timber needed to rebuild the gates. To this point, he is beginning to accomplish an extraordinary task through his faith in the Lord.
Verses 3 & 4: After inspecting the wall in the dark of night, many were called, I believe through the Lord, to help rebuild the wall and gates. But Mayors of the city and their army’s didn’t take them seriously and mocked their work. The workers again turned to the Lord by praying for protection. Some worked, some stood guard while others prayed, and they were not harmed.
Verses 5 & 6: Money was running out and rich Jews were profiting by demanding interest and mortgages for loans to keep the work going. Nehemiah spoke out against this in a public trial and it was agreed they would no longer profit in evil ways. The priests made them formally agree or suffer the wrath of the Lord. Again, the Lord intervened. As work progressed, the hostility toward Nehemiah escalated and his enemies were plotting to kill him. The Lord did not allow them to harm Nehemiah.
Conclusion: Ordinary people CAN accomplish the extraordinary given their God given talents and faith in Him.
Contributed by Loren Arnoldink
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