Nehemiah - a godly response

Do you know people who are living in ruins?  People who ought to be celebrating their freedom in Christ?  God has so much more in store for us than we seem to to give Him credit for, sometimes.  In so doing, don't we diminish His glory in us?  And what are we doing for His reputation?



Nehemiah is a man living in the fortified city of Susa, far removed from his homeland.  He is a cupbearer to the king.  He is completely distraught when he receives word of the condition of the beloved city of God - and, by extension, his/His people.  His kinsmen have escaped, surviving the exile, and are back in their homes.  However, their place of worship is in ruins.

Hearing this news, Nehemiah weeps, and mourns, and fasts, and prays.  His prayer is such an amazing example of a man devoted to God - who He is, how He works, and the redeeming love, purpose and mission that motivates His interaction with us.

Nehemiah first gives praise to God, acknowledging His character, His reputation, His willingness to respond to His children.  Then, he confesses not only his sin, but the sin of the people.  (It strikes me that here he is, miles away, in service to a foreign king - certainly not accountable for the state of affairs in Jerusalem - yet, he's confessing his own sin in the matter.)   He admits that he and his people have strayed.  They've become corruptible, not keeping the Lord's commands, day after day.  Finally, Nehemiah appeals to the Lord to remember His promises and grant success as they turn back to Him with humble hearts. 

Nehemiah, in this first chapter, closes with, "Oh... and, by the way, I'm just a cupbearer." (paraphrase)  I love how God can use the most unlikely of candidates!  Who am I?  Nobody.  But, who are You?  Almighty God.  ...Use me.

Lord, help us to be humble... to see You as You are... to confess our sin, collectively and individually... to lovingly call others to repentance that they may really, truly live!  May we live in freedom and show others who You are!  Lord, remember us, for the sake of Your great name.  Amen.

(Read Nehemiah, chapter 1.)