March 21, 2021

LOVE GOD LOVE PEOPLE: NO RESERVES, NO RETREATS, NO REGRETS

March 21. 2021

Pastor Charles Billingsley 

 

Have you ever had an awareness of something you would like to accomplish? Did you actually do it? Have you ever forgotten that once upon a time you had a dream for yourself?

The books of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther, written shortly before the four hundred years of silence from God between the Old and New Testaments, furnished another incredible week showing God using ordinary people for extraordinary jobs. What encouragement to read of these servants of God, who did what many would have thought impossible, as they worked to see their countrymen able to return home to Jerusalem from the captivity of Babylon and Persia! As we continue the challenge of reading through the Bible in the first six months of 2021, we look forward to reading more of the men and women whom God called to do great works for Him.

Focal Passages: Ezra, Nehemiah

The Brokenness of Nehemiah

  • Read Nehemiah 1:1-3. What do you learn about Nehemiah, reading only these three verses? Have you ever felt a love or an affinity for a place you have never been? Can you share the emotion? Do you think this was how Nehemiah felt?
  • Nehemiah asks for information concerning Jerusalem and those who had gone back; what is he told? Why do you think the word “shame” is used?
  • Read verse 4. We have not yet read of Nehemiah’s vocation in Persia, but if (as some think) he was born while in captivity, what surprises you about this verse? Why would you not expect this depth of love for God by Nehemiah?
  • Why does the information break him? How does he respond? What goals did Nehemiah have as he fasted, prayed, and sought God? In verses 5-11, his prayer to God is recorded. Read verse 11. How does he finish his prayer?

The Boldness of Nehemiah

  • What was the last sentence in Nehemiah 1 (vs. 11)? What did the cupbearer do?
  • Why was it imperative that the cupbearer of Artaxerxes be a man of impeccable character? How much did the king depend on him?
  • Read Nehemiah 2:1-2. Why was he “dreadfully” afraid?
  • Read verses 3-4. What do you think the body-language of Nehemiah was as the king asked him what was wrong, keeping in mind that he could not be sad in the king’s presence? What do you imagine his prayer to God was between the king’s question and Nehemiah’s answer? How long did he have to pray? Have you ever had time only for “Help, Lord!”? Can you share?

The Vision of Nehemiah

  • Read Neh. 2:7-8. How could Nehemiah have such a ready answer when the king asked him what he needed? What is the last sentence in verse 8? Does that explain his thoughts?
  • What background did Nehemiah have that would be needed in organizing labor and resources for building a city wall? Would he have been “ordinary” if he had told God he was not qualified?
  • Did Nehemiah have faith and confidence in himself, and his own abilities? How can you testify that he trusted God to lead him, and to show him what to do and how to do it?

Close

There is so much more to read in the book of Nehemiah. His journey to Jerusalem, his ability to detect when enemies were trying to stop the work on the wall, and his leadership as he spent twelve years governing the people are just a few examples. There are many lessons that can be learned from this godly man who had faith in the only true God.

Anytime we read Scripture we need to look for applications that will help us grow in our own faith and trust in God, as well as look with open eyes, ears, and hearts for God to call us to do something for Him. Has He ever given you a vision to work for Him? Remember, He can do it without you—but He chooses to do it with you! Here are some actions you must take in order to prepare yourself to serve Him:

  1. Stop, fast, pray and work. Seek the Lord and His timing. Continue to let Him know that you are sincere in fulfilling the purpose He has ordained for you.
  2. Get ready to face opposition. It will take tenacity, determination, discipline, and so much more. You will encounter enemies, and they will be against the work you’re preparing yourself for. Obstacles may come in the form of problems with physical health, finances, family and more—Satan has a repertoire of devices he can use to try to distract or hurt you.
  3. A God-given vision cannot be accomplished alone. As you read further in Nehemiah, you find he assigned men to repair the section of Jerusalem’s wall that was near their home, so it was personal for them. Gather friends, your Life Group, your family—anyone who is willing to work. Neh. 4:6b: “The people had a mind to work.”
  4. Stay focused on the task at hand. When enemies tried to stop the work, Nehemiah coordinated the men to take their tools in one hand, and their swords in the other. Don’t let Satan distract you with lies.

Never forget, we are in a battle every day of our Christian lives. The Apostle Paul listed the pieces of armor for our warfare in Ephesians 6:10-18. But as we learned in last week’s study, the battle belongs to the Lord, and it begins on our knees as we bow before Him. He has told us He has a plan and a purpose for us (Jer. 29:11). If you will seek His will, wait on Him to answer, then you can go out and do it!