People Series: Nehemiah, the cupbearer

When Nehemiah heard about the broken walls of Jerusalem, and that the gates were burned down by fire, he deeply mourned for his nation. He rebuilt the walls and gates, restoring Israel to walk as their forefathers walked.

I’d like to reflect on only three of his many qualities.

Loved God and man: Obedient

“That Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and certain men of Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem.” (Nehemiah‬ ‭1:2‬)

When we read from Nehemiah 1:1-3, we see how he was concerned about his people, God’s chosen. He had a cushy job at the King’s palace, but his heart was burdened for the people of Jerusalem. Jesus reminds us in John 6:27 to labour for the kingdom of God, for the meat that will last for everlasting life. Similarly, believers too mustn’t get distracted by the infinite distractions that separate our focus from bringing Jesus to the world around us. Stay focused on loving God by obeying His word and doing His perfect will in your life.

Prayer Warrior: The Believers Foundation

“And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven,” Nehemiah‬ ‭1:4‬ ‭

What is the best step to take when you are burdened? Go to the One who knows it all. Who is the only one who has actually been there and done that - Jesus. We find Nehemiah sitting down and crying. He fasted and prayed for the sake of his people, for restoration and unity. Like Jesus, he carried the cross given to him and he went ahead with the help of God who saw him through. He was a true prayer warrior (Neh.1:4-11).

Humility: Character of Christ

“Let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes 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: both I and my father's house have sinned.” Nehemiah‬ ‭1:6‬ ‭

Nehemiah humbled himself before the Lord by including himself as the faulty one too among his brethren. Jesus took upon the sin of the whole world when He did no sin; Nehemiah too blamed himself for what his forefathers had done.

Dear brother and sister, we need to have the same burden and natures Nehemiah possessed in these last days. Do not neglect prayer, as you seek the Lord to restore the world around you.