Nehemiah : WK 2 - FRI
Sad Face
Nehemiah 2:1-3
Early the following spring, in the month of Nisan, during the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes’ reign, I was serving the king his wine. I had never before appeared sad in his presence. So the king asked me, “Why are you looking so sad? You don’t look sick to me. You must be deeply troubled.”
Then I was terrified, but I replied, “Long live the king! How can I not be sad? For the city where my ancestors are buried is in ruins, and the gates have been destroyed by fire.”
Four months have passed since Nehemiah received disturbing news about the conditions in Jerusalem. Whether he has appeared before Artaxerxes in court during that time is uncertain. On this significant day, as the cupbearer serves the king wine, something feels off.
Artaxerxes is very familiar with Nehemiah, so much so that he can distinguish between a look of sadness and one of sickness. Two things stand out about this. First, Nehemiah’s behavior and service have clearly endeared him to the king. Friends might be too strong a label, but there is genuine caring between the two. Second, this servant’s generally cheerful demeanor contrasts sharply with today’s mournful spirit, sparking conversation.
On a side note, have you noticed how many Christians struggle to look happy? We believe we are saved by grace and serve the risen Jesus: the Resurrection and the Life. We are going to live forever. Don’t you think we should tell our faces?
Everyone needs the help of others along the way. Is it possible that how we present ourselves on the days we need no help affects the response we receive on the days we do? The way we treat the people around us makes a difference that impacts the kingdom of God. Perhaps I should consider my smile as a matter of spiritual stewardship.
In essence, the king has asked what is wrong. Nehemiah has prayed for this moment for days. He has asked God for guidance, success, and to be treated with kindness. Hopefully, he has also requested courage. Because no matter how prepared you are, when these pivotal moments arrive, they can be frightening.
Meditation and prayer serve as God’s practice field, preparing us to confront upcoming moments of tension and fear. As we communicate with Him and reflect on the needs He brings to our minds, He allows us to rehearse the language and anticipate situations that might otherwise feel too frightening to face.
Our story has come down to this: Artaxerxes opens the door, and prepared by days of prayer, Nehemiah walks through.
Nehemiah 2:1-3
Early the following spring, in the month of Nisan, during the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes’ reign, I was serving the king his wine. I had never before appeared sad in his presence. So the king asked me, “Why are you looking so sad? You don’t look sick to me. You must be deeply troubled.”
Then I was terrified, but I replied, “Long live the king! How can I not be sad? For the city where my ancestors are buried is in ruins, and the gates have been destroyed by fire.”
Four months have passed since Nehemiah received disturbing news about the conditions in Jerusalem. Whether he has appeared before Artaxerxes in court during that time is uncertain. On this significant day, as the cupbearer serves the king wine, something feels off.
Artaxerxes is very familiar with Nehemiah, so much so that he can distinguish between a look of sadness and one of sickness. Two things stand out about this. First, Nehemiah’s behavior and service have clearly endeared him to the king. Friends might be too strong a label, but there is genuine caring between the two. Second, this servant’s generally cheerful demeanor contrasts sharply with today’s mournful spirit, sparking conversation.
On a side note, have you noticed how many Christians struggle to look happy? We believe we are saved by grace and serve the risen Jesus: the Resurrection and the Life. We are going to live forever. Don’t you think we should tell our faces?
Everyone needs the help of others along the way. Is it possible that how we present ourselves on the days we need no help affects the response we receive on the days we do? The way we treat the people around us makes a difference that impacts the kingdom of God. Perhaps I should consider my smile as a matter of spiritual stewardship.
In essence, the king has asked what is wrong. Nehemiah has prayed for this moment for days. He has asked God for guidance, success, and to be treated with kindness. Hopefully, he has also requested courage. Because no matter how prepared you are, when these pivotal moments arrive, they can be frightening.
Meditation and prayer serve as God’s practice field, preparing us to confront upcoming moments of tension and fear. As we communicate with Him and reflect on the needs He brings to our minds, He allows us to rehearse the language and anticipate situations that might otherwise feel too frightening to face.
Our story has come down to this: Artaxerxes opens the door, and prepared by days of prayer, Nehemiah walks through.
- Who are the people who notice if you are sick? When you are sad?
- Do you like your smile? Why or why not?
- Is there something you want to say to someone that scares you to think about saying? Why is that?
- What fears would you like to discuss with Jesus?
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