Nehemiah : WK 6 - FRI
Completion
Nehemiah 6:15-16
So on October 2 the wall was finished—just fifty-two days after we had begun. When our enemies and the surrounding nations heard about it, they were frightened and humiliated. They realized this work had been done with the help of our God.
Nehemiah 8:5-10
Ezra stood on the platform in full view of all the people. When they saw him open the book, they all rose to their feet.
Then Ezra praised the LORD, the great God, and all the people chanted, “Amen! Amen!” as they lifted their hands. Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground.
The Levites… then instructed the people in the Law while everyone remained in their places. They read from the Book of the Law of God and clearly explained the meaning of what was being read, helping the people understand each passage.
Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were interpreting for the people said to them, “Don’t mourn or weep on such a day as this! For today is a sacred day before the LORD your God.” For the people had all been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law.
And Nehemiah continued, “Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength!”
Absolutely amazing. Over the course of a few months, Nehemiah went from being unaware of the problem to prayerfully passionate, from hopelessly weeping to fully resourced. He led an expedition from Susa to Jerusalem, strategizing the project as the 900 miles passed. Once he arrived in town, he listened, inspired others, and worked diligently. Nehemiah worked tirelessly to fulfill the mission amidst every form of intentional discouragement. He faced attacks from enemies outside and dysfunction from within. In fifty-two days, the walls and gates were completed. The city was safe. The work was done. Or was it?
With the protective walls and the temple restored, what else remains to be done? As the eighth chapter of Nehemiah begins, the people gather for a special assembly and ask Ezra to bring out the scrolls of scripture and read to them as an act of worship. As Ezra read, the Levites explained each passage. Then the crowd (the church) began to weep.
Have you ever been certain of what you needed, only to receive it and discover it wasn’t the complete answer? The people had thought, “If only we could return from captivity, all would be well.” But once home, they lacked a temple for worship or walls for protection. Eventually, the building projects were completed, but something was still missing. As the reborn nation gathered before God, listening to His words, they recognized how far they had strayed from His intentions. They became deeply convicted, repentant, and sorrowful. The people wept as one.
As we conclude our study on Nehemiah and this incredible project, don’t miss the ending. You may have a campus with significant infrastructural and material needs that hinder the work of God. That’s our situation in Chattanooga. But as you strive to raise funds, plan diligently, face discouragement, and contend against opponents and naysayers, remember this point: none of our buildings, coffee, sound systems, or children’s rooms matter unless God’s people experience revival.
The people of Judah confront their guilt. They mourn so deeply that their remorse is incapacitating them with shame. However, Ezra and Nehemiah remind them that this is the rebuilding they have needed: hearts reborn through conviction and confession. This is a day of rejoicing, “for the joy of the Lord is our strength.” (8:10)
Nehemiah 6:15-16
So on October 2 the wall was finished—just fifty-two days after we had begun. When our enemies and the surrounding nations heard about it, they were frightened and humiliated. They realized this work had been done with the help of our God.
Nehemiah 8:5-10
Ezra stood on the platform in full view of all the people. When they saw him open the book, they all rose to their feet.
Then Ezra praised the LORD, the great God, and all the people chanted, “Amen! Amen!” as they lifted their hands. Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground.
The Levites… then instructed the people in the Law while everyone remained in their places. They read from the Book of the Law of God and clearly explained the meaning of what was being read, helping the people understand each passage.
Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were interpreting for the people said to them, “Don’t mourn or weep on such a day as this! For today is a sacred day before the LORD your God.” For the people had all been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law.
And Nehemiah continued, “Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength!”
Absolutely amazing. Over the course of a few months, Nehemiah went from being unaware of the problem to prayerfully passionate, from hopelessly weeping to fully resourced. He led an expedition from Susa to Jerusalem, strategizing the project as the 900 miles passed. Once he arrived in town, he listened, inspired others, and worked diligently. Nehemiah worked tirelessly to fulfill the mission amidst every form of intentional discouragement. He faced attacks from enemies outside and dysfunction from within. In fifty-two days, the walls and gates were completed. The city was safe. The work was done. Or was it?
With the protective walls and the temple restored, what else remains to be done? As the eighth chapter of Nehemiah begins, the people gather for a special assembly and ask Ezra to bring out the scrolls of scripture and read to them as an act of worship. As Ezra read, the Levites explained each passage. Then the crowd (the church) began to weep.
Have you ever been certain of what you needed, only to receive it and discover it wasn’t the complete answer? The people had thought, “If only we could return from captivity, all would be well.” But once home, they lacked a temple for worship or walls for protection. Eventually, the building projects were completed, but something was still missing. As the reborn nation gathered before God, listening to His words, they recognized how far they had strayed from His intentions. They became deeply convicted, repentant, and sorrowful. The people wept as one.
As we conclude our study on Nehemiah and this incredible project, don’t miss the ending. You may have a campus with significant infrastructural and material needs that hinder the work of God. That’s our situation in Chattanooga. But as you strive to raise funds, plan diligently, face discouragement, and contend against opponents and naysayers, remember this point: none of our buildings, coffee, sound systems, or children’s rooms matter unless God’s people experience revival.
The people of Judah confront their guilt. They mourn so deeply that their remorse is incapacitating them with shame. However, Ezra and Nehemiah remind them that this is the rebuilding they have needed: hearts reborn through conviction and confession. This is a day of rejoicing, “for the joy of the Lord is our strength.” (8:10)
- Have you ever built a Lego creation? If so, what is your favorite thing that you’ve built?
- When you feel guilt that threatens to turn into shame, which passage of scripture helps you return to joy since the Lord is your strength?
- As you reflect on the immense love of God and His call to repentance, what do you wish to confess to Him at this moment?
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