What’s Nehemiah got to do with me?

“The words of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah:

In the month of Kislev in the twentieth year, while I was in the citadel of Susa, 2 Hanani, one of my brothers, came from Judah with some other men, and I questioned them about the Jewish remnant that survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem. They said to me, "Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire." When I heard these things, I sat down and wept.” Nehemiah 1:1-4

In Nehemiah’s day the walls of the city represented safety and security. It kept the people of the city safe from intruders, wild animals and thieves. When we lack security, we lose our ability to take risks and trust. We must have a solid wall to rest behind in order to venture out into the world during the daytime.

I remember reading in the old “Dare to Discipline” book by Dr. Dobson, how the kindergarten class at his school was getting a new fence around the play yard. The kids were informed to not venture too far out toward the street during playtime. Previously, the children would run up to the fence and through the play yard with confidence. Now that the fence was temporarily gone, the children would bareiy leave the reach of the teacher as they huddled around her during playtime. Their security was gone, and what was seen as the normal play yard before now lacked the safety of the fence.

What gives us security? Our jobs: our jobs are our security in today’s society. They provide the fence or wall that allows us to walk securely though life. Our jobs ensure that we have a home, food to eat, and a place to sleep. Nehemiah wept when he heard that his people were not secure. We weep for those who are unemployed, underemployed or in jeopardy of being laid off.

“For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. Then I said:

"O LORD, God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and obey his commands, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel.” Nehemiah 1:4-6

Nehemiah’s first response was to petition God. Nehemiah was secure in the kings residence, but yet he prayed for his people. I know that if you are unemployed at this time, you are petitioning God. Did you realize that there are many also petitioning God on your behalf? And we will continue to petition, until the problem is resolved.

So back to the original question, “What’s it got to do with me?” If you are unemployed, we weep for you. We petition God to provide security for you. Because we are part of the same city, the body of believers, if your part of the wall is down or crumbling, it affects our security as well. We do understand your pain and discouragement, but we will continue to hold you up physically and spiritually.

“And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

Nehemiah and Jerusalem resolves the security problem in the chapters to follow. But the next blog will concentrate on Nehemiah Chapter 2. Right now I want you to understand you are not an outcast or failure and you will be restored to rest behind secure walls.