A New Series:
The LORD the Restorer in the book of Nehemiah
This Sunday we begin a new series on a too often overlooked part of the Scriptures, that being the account of Nehemiah. The hope of God’s people was slowly returning. Some had returned from exile, in fulfilment of God’s promise. Yet, they found themselves in a vulnerable position: their capital city, and its walls, still largely a ruin. No Davidic king on the throne. At risk to raiding parties and to the influence of the gods of the surrounding peoples. Others were still in exile, with Persia now the reigning superpower of the day. Hope was alive, but weak. Many fears beset the people.
In chapter 1 of Nehemiah we find a moving personal account of a leader, Nehemiah, and his response to the people of God’s great need. Despite his privileged and comfortable position in the court of the Persian king Artaxerxes, he looks beyond himself to the LORD’s purposes and the needs of the people. Three points to dwell upon: (1) Nehemiah’s passionate care for the
people of God, (2) Nehemiah’s model of intercession in prayer, (3) Nehemiah’s faithful stance of availability to the LORD.
Reflection Questions
Read Nehemiah 1.
1. Nehemiah provides a model of intercession for God’s people. In his day the returned remnant was deeply vulnerable and the Jerusalem building project incomplete. List the qualities or attributes of God he focuses upon in his prayer as he intercedes for this need (Nehemiah 1.4-11).
2. (i) How does focussing on the attributes of God, when we pray for major need, prevent our despair?
(ii) Is there a particular attribute you most need to dwell upon as you intercede for the needs of God’s people today? For example: love, lordship (almighty power and legitimate authority), holiness, God’s presence everywhere.
3. Nehemiah also provides an example of humility. Though clearly a godly person himself he is not above confessing his own and his family’s sin, along with the people’s (Nehemiah 1.6-7). How does he find the sense of spiritual security he needs, as a leader, to take such a humble stance?
4. (i) What are the fundamental reasons Nehemiah identifies for the weak and vulnerable position of the returned remnant in Jerusalem? (Nehemiah 1.8-9).
(ii) Now read Matthew 7.24-27. What reasons does Jesus give for the collapse, weakness or strength, of the discipleship community?
(iii) Where we see the Australian church in disgrace or weakness, how might we use Nehemiah or Christ’s teaching to identify causes?
5. Read Nehemiah 1.8-9 and Deuteronomy 30.1-6. What echos of God’s promises to his people in Moses’ day, can you see in Nehemiah’s prayer? What part of the promise does Nehemiah particularly lean on?
6. What is one way you would like to imitate Nehemiah as you intercede for the life and witness of God’s people today.