based on the Love God Greatly study, From Broken to Restored / w1d4
Scripture: Nehemiah 2:9-20 / SOAP verse 18
Then I related to them how the good hand of my God was on me and what the king had said to me. Then they replied, “Let’s begin rebuilding right away!” So they readied themselves for this good project.
Nehemiah 2:18
Remember in our last reading the King of Persia gave Nehemiah the go ahead on traveling to Jerusalem to rebuild the city.
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, 3 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.”
4 The king asked, “Well, how can I help you?”
With a prayer to the God of heaven, 5 I replied, “If it please the king, and if you are pleased with me, your servant, send me to Judah to rebuild the city where my ancestors are buried.”
6 The king, with the queen sitting beside him, asked, “How long will you be gone? When will you return?” After I told him how long I would be gone, the king agreed to my request.
Nehemiah 2:2-6
In today’s passage (2:9-20) Nehemiah has arrived and inspected the walls, after which he made it known to the officials, the Jews, the priests, the nobles, and the workers what he had been doing. He urged them to join him in rebuilding the walls so that Jerusalem would no longer bear such disgrace and criticism. Nehemiah told them how God’s hand was on him and about the King’s approval for his mission. His encouragement to rebuild was meant with great and eager enthusiasm of the people. However, the enemies of the Jews were not quite as receptive. The beauty and example for us is that Nehemiah paid no attention to them but sought and followed God faithfully.
Nehemiah sought God and followed through with purpose and a plan to do it right – rather than bowing to the demands of man.
Consider This Application
We have all been given a calling. The work of the gospel is before us. As followers of Christ, we are to take the gospel to the world and make disciples of all nations. We are working with God to rebuild the brokenness that is in the world because of sin. When we bring the gospel into dark places, when we share the truth of who Jesus is with others, we are engaging in this good project. The planning and preparation have already been done, and, like Nehemiah rallied the people, Jesus calls us to join Him in this important work. may we be faithful to ready ourselves and engage in this good work!
Love God Greatly Devotion / From Broken to Restored / w1d4
Prayerful Response to God’s Word
Father, again I pray that You will help strengthen us to be fully engaged in mind, heart, and action. May we be dedicated to the calling to “take the gospel”, to be Your instruments of peace and light in the dark places of this world, to share the truth of who Jesus is with others, and work with You to “rebuild the brokenness that is in the world because of sin.” Jesus has called us to join Him, may we “faithfully prepare to engage in this good work!” – Amen and Amen!!