Sept. 27, 2009
Background Scripture: Nehemiah 2
Devotional Reading: Isaiah 62:1-7

Significant projects are sometimes attributed to skillful leadership and, other times, to the enthusiastic response of the followers. But I have found that the most successful efforts occur when both leaders and followers share the “Let’s do it!” spirit.

The story of Nehemiah and the people of Jerusalem is a case in point. Nehemiah’s father, Hecaliah, was of one of the Jewish families carried off into captivity when Jerusalem fell to Babylon in 586 B.C. Almost 150 years later Nehemiah was serving in a high royal position to King Artaxerxes.

The scene is no longer Babylon, for in the meantime King Cyrus of Persia has conquered the Babylonians. Nehemiah’s memoir opens in the Persian city of Susa in Elam. The cupbearer to the king was one of the most trusted positions, for he was responsible for tasting the king’s wine (proving it was not poisoned) and probably as guardian of the king’s royal apartment.

Nehemiah has been informed that Jerusalem and the remaining Jews there were in dangerous circumstances. The ruined walls and gates compromised the city’s security.

So, Nehemiah’s story begins with deep concern for the plight of Jerusalem and its Jews.

Some people, when informed of a great need, will respond sympathetically but that may be as far as their concern goes. But Nehemiah begins to make some plans to meet this challenge. Yet, what can the king’s cupbearer in far-off Susa do? He not only asks that question of himself, he begins to seek answers from God.
We do not know if he assumed a sad countenance in order to get the king’s attention, or that the occasion was accidental and he seized it: “Why is your face sad, seeing you are not sick?” (2:2). That’s how a great project usually gets under way: Someone seizes the opportunity and runs with it.

Nehemiah carefully chose his words, not mentioning the broken walls, but does respond in a way that captures Artaxerxes’ interest. At this same time period the king’s own burial chamber was being prepared among the royal Persian tombs, so Nehemiah was clever to mention his concern for the city of “my fathers’ sepulchers” (2:3).

The result: The king sent him to Jerusalem with credentials, plus an armed guard.

Discrete and tactful

When Nehemiah arrives in Jerusalem he is very discrete and tactful. He makes nighttime inspection tours of the city and his detailed description permits us to trace his steps (2:12-15).

I marvel at his skillful report. He could have said, “Here’s what I have found! This is what we must do!” Instead, he says: “You see the trouble we are in, how Jerusalem lies with its gates burned. Come, let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer suffer disgrace” (2:17).

Nehemiah is also the epitome of perseverance. Sanballat and Tobiah were powerful officials in the area. Their protests and threats would have scared off a lesser man. Note the blatant bald-faced falsehood: “What is this thing that you are doing? Are you rebelling against the king?” (2:19).

Sound familiar?
Nehemiah had one more attribute upon which his leadership was founded: His prayers. He prayed to God upon hearing of the plight of Jerusalem (1:5-11). He also prayed for the right words to use with Artaxerxes (2:5). Because of those prayers he was certain of what God wanted of him (2:8).

And he told the elders of Jerusalem of  “the hand of my God which had been upon me for good …” (2:18) and to Sanballat, Tobiah and Gesham: “The God of heaven will make us prosper, and we his servants will arise and build” (2:20).

Is there some work that God wants done? Let all reply: “Let’s do it!”

The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of Farm World. Readers with questions or comments for Rev. Althouse may write to him in care of this publication.