Let's Build
Nehemiah 2:1-20
Here's a recap from last week's message, "A Broken Down Nation." We went through Nehemiah 1:1-11, and we broke it down into five sections in order to take a good, close look at it.
Verses 1-3 – A man with a love for people
Verse 4 – A man with a God-sized problem
Verses 5-7 – A man driven to pray
Verses 8-9 – A man clinging to God's promises
Verse 11 – A man ready to do something with a petition to God
Today's message is titled "Let's Build." We'll be in Nehemiah 2:1-20, and we'll be breaking the message down into six sections.
Section 1
Verses 1-3 – A man with a passion
Nehemiah 2:1 (NLT)
1 Early the following spring, in the month of Nisan, during the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes' reign, I was serving the king his wine. I had never before appeared sad in his presence.
Now, we start Chapter 2 with a date, about forty days from when Nehemiah received the news of the broken-down nation and broken-down people.
Let's look at the benefits of forty days of fervent prayer. Nehemiah was in prayer. He was allowing God to work in his heart, and he was listening to the Lord on what he was supposed to do with the information that he was given.
Our heart changes, and the content of our prayer changes
Our prayer becomes more intense and desperate
Our prayer becomes more specific and more sensitive to the leading of the Spirit
The burden intensifies – either take this burden from me or show me how to be the man to answer this call
Learn to wait on God with the right heart without bitterness and resentment – can be one of the most rewarding and personal time of maturity and personal growth for us as Christians
Let's go back to verse 1, serving the king's wine. This is a cupbearer.
A Cupbearer has specific job duties, protecting the man and the people who conquered his ancestors and nation. The cupbearer is a high-ranking official in the royal household. He was in the inner court and close to the king in many ways – he is a governor/decision-maker. He is the personal bodyguard to the king, tasting the food and wine to protect the king. He demonstrates that the food and wine were not poisoned. He also has a significant position of hiring/firing staff.
Let's do a quick review of his character traits. Trustworthy. We're kind of funny when it comes to trust. Some of us might hand somebody an empty bucket of trust and say that in order for somebody to trust you, you're going to have to fill this bucket up in the time that we get to know each other, and eventually – hopefully – this bucket will (if you don't tip it over or punch a hole in it or spill any) then I'll learn to trust you. Then, there are others that might hand somebody a full bucket of trust, to begin with. And then, through time, you would hope that maybe that person wouldn't spill any, or knock it over, or tip it over. We learn to trust people in different ways, don't we? He was trustworthy.
He was faithful and followed through. When the king would give him a task, it was out of the king's hands from that point on, and the king knew that man was going to follow through and take care of it. He was loyal – reliable. When he said he was going to do something – he did it. He had an impressive character that takes a lifetime to acquire and can be destroyed in moments.
He had a supernatural discernment for the people working for him. I am certain that the protection and the way that he had to provide a safe means of life for his job, that he must have been able to read people and see if people were on track, in line, not derailed. You can only imagine what kind of accountability process he must have had in place in order for where the food came from, and how it got there, and who grew it, or who took care of the meat, or whatever. There were all of these different aspects that would have had to have been a high level of accountability.
He was a trusted advisor. I am sure there were many times he was asked what his advice would be or how he would handle something.
Nehemiah 2:2 (NLT)
2 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,
Was the next thing he was going to hear "Off with his head"? He was terrified because it was not acceptable for people to be sad while in the king's presence. It's kind of like the fake way we all act around people we don't really like or don't enjoy being around. "How is it going?" "Oh, it's so good to see you." "How have you been?"
What does deeply troubled look like?
1. A downcast face that you can't shake off
2. A look of hopelessness or deep distress
3. Looks like all the characteristics of a broken heart
4. So if you wear your emotions on your sleeve, then be okay when someone asks you how you're doing and give an honest answer
5. Find a trusted, godly friend for counsel and prayer
6. Allow them to bring accountability to your sorrow with steps to bring resolve
Ecclesiastes 7:3 (NLT)
3 Sorrow is better than laughter, for sadness has a refining influence on us.
Even Jesus is called "The Man of Many Sorrows," so if you are deeply troubled this morning, you are in good company.
Nehemiah 2:3 (NLT)
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."
"Long live the king" is an encouraging morale boost for the king. It's a common phrase to break the silence. Nehemiah was being called out. It's also a subtle reminder of Nehemiah's faithful service and trustworthy character.
Nehemiah 2:3b (NLT)
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."
How can I not be sad? He has been praying with a heavy burden for forty plus days, and it is not going away. We have all been in that place before. He has not seen the problem, but he is fully aware of the burden. This is a great reminder for us – when seeking God's will in prayer, be sure to follow the burden and not the problem.
Let's look at a few keys to not force an answer from God in prayer. Nehemiah understood it was not his place to change the king's heart. He prayed and left it up to the Lord, not dropping hints or manipulation to people around him. He showed patience and longsuffering, purposely suffering long for the good of the burden. It always comes down to God's terms and God's timing; we need to be flexible and patient. Are we trying to change someone's heart instead of leaving it up to the Lord to do it? Truly leaving it up to the Lord trusts God's terms and God's timing.
Section 2
Verses 4-6 - A man with clear permission
Nehemiah 2:4 (NLT)
4 The king asked, "Well, how can I help you?" With a prayer to the God of heaven,
But, why was the king so willing to help? Number one – don't forget, God is still in control, not us!
Proverbs 21:1 (NLT)
1 The king's heart is like a stream of water directed by the LORD; he guides it wherever he pleases.
Number two – God used the lifelong witness and character of Nehemiah as a trusted man. He was the personal bodyguard to the king. He had an impressive accountability system, which must have been accurate and working because they were both still alive. Nehemiah was a teambuilder – he had a supernatural gift of discernment to work with people. He demonstrated his accountability daily that the food and wine were safe to eat and drink. He was reliable and trustworthy in the day-to-day routine. He was a staffing expert, and he had a bulletproof system for safe food and wine resources. Nehemiah had a proven life or death protection system in place. It was people – not technology.
Nehemiah had some great leadership quality traits, which we have mentioned before. He was trustworthy, faithful, loyal, he had proven character, which was time tested, and he was a trusted advisor. When the king answered, how can I help you? Nehemiah knew the forty days of prayer was answered. At the end of every difficult circumstance or difficult situation that God allows us to experience is a testimony of God's goodness. I wonder, how many times have we stopped short by giving up?
So, it was time to strike while the iron was hot, so he immediately prayed again.
Nehemiah 2:4b (NLT)
4 The king asked, "Well, how can I help you?" With a prayer to the God of heaven,
Prayer is talking, listening, and being sensitive to God's timing all in one breath. This prayer is not for forty days this time, but four seconds – "Lord, help me!" Four seconds of heartfelt, desperate dependency of God and God alone. Prayer does not have to be long to be effective.
Psalm 38:22 (NLT)
22 Come quickly to help me, O Lord my savior.
Psalm 86:1 (NLT)
1 Bend down, O LORD, and hear my prayer; answer me, for I need your help.
Nehemiah 2:5 (NLT)
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."
This was Nehemiah's subtle reminder of his years of faithful service and if the king would like to join him.
Nehemiah 2:5b (NLT)
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."
Wisdom is shown here by Nehemiah asking the king to send him and join him. Inviting the king to help carry the burden of his trusted friend is an earmark of a team builder. There are many senders (people) that financially support and make a way for the goers/doers to do the work that God is calling them to do. The king became a partner as a financial sender, and he will get the same reward in heaven as the goer.
Nehemiah 2:6 (NLT)
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.
God's plans are accomplished by people. God works through prayerful planning. God also accomplishes his will outside of our planning. But, in every case, God works through planning – if not our planning, then his planning.
Psalm 33:11(NLT)
11 But the LORD's plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken.
Proverbs 21:5 (NLT)
5 Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.
You have heard it said that poor planning promotes poor performance. If God has given you a ministry to be a steward of, do not forget it is a privilege to serve the King of King's. Set your heart to prepare and plan and then praise him for the results.
Section 3
Verses 7-8 - A man with provision
Nehemiah 7-8 (NLT)
7 I also said to the king, "If it please the king, let me have letters addressed to the governors of the province west of the Euphrates River, instructing them to let me travel safely through their territories on my way to Judah.
8 And please give me a letter addressed to Asaph, the manager of the king's forest, instructing him to give me timber. I will need it to make beams for the gates of the Temple fortress, for the city walls, and for a house for myself." And the king granted these requests, because the gracious hand of God was on me.
Sorry, I have just a couple more things on planning.
1. Nehemiah has never seen this project, but the forty days of prayer gave him the vision
2. He knew what needed to be done without seeing it for himself
3. He knew how long he needed to be gone
4. He knew he needed letters for safe passage
5. He knew he needed permission to gather the materials
6. He wisely invited the king to participate with the plan God gave him
7. The Spirit of God that gave him the vision also gave him the boldness to ask for what was needed
Section 4
Verses 9-10 - A man with protection
Nehemiah 2:9 (NLT)
9 When I came to the governors of the province west of the Euphrates River, I delivered the king's letters to them. The king, I should add, had sent along army officers and horsemen to protect me.
Godly leadership plans and then puts it into action, so he jumped on the then commuter train for 800 miles.
Let's review how we got here.
It started with a God-sized burden
Followed by desperate prayer
He received a vision from God
He was empowered by Spirit-filled planning
Faith to move forward
Notice the next event in our text – once you follow through with God's plan.
Nehemiah 2:10 (NLT)
10 But when Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard of my arrival, they were very displeased that someone had come to help the people of Israel.
That's right, you guessed it (or you read ahead), opposition from spiritual enemies. The opposition did not appear until he put the plan into action. Remember, the enemy wants you to "just survive" or even less. The enemy wants you to live in fear, worry, stress, and beaten down. So, when we begin to rebuild, expect opposition.
Section 5
Verses 11-18 - A man with a heart for God's plan
Nehemiah 2:11(NLT)
11 So I arrived in Jerusalem. Three days later,
He arrived, but he did not move for three days from the secret place.
Here's a quick quote from Alan Redpath
"It is good to have Christian friends, but it is dangerous to wear your heart on your sleeve. Have a secret place somewhere which nobody knows anything about but you and God."
Here are the ingredients for searching out God's plan
1. Praying
2. Waiting
3. Patience
4. Timing
Nehemiah 2:12 (NLT)
12 I slipped out during the night, taking only a few others with me. I had not told anyone about the plans God had put in my heart for Jerusalem. We took no pack animals with us except the donkey I was riding.
Nehemiah went out counterclockwise and circled the perimeter to study and survey the broken-down walls and burned gates. Nehemiah still has not spoken to anyone about his burden for the broken-hearted people living in fear, worry, insecurity, and reproach.
Nehemiah 2:13 (NLT)
13 After dark I went out through the Valley Gate, past the Jackal's Well, and over to the Dung Gate to inspect the broken walls and burned gates.
The word "inspect" in verse 13 is a medical term for probing a wound to see the extent of the damage.
Nehemiah 2:14 (NLT)
14 Then I went to the Fountain Gate and to the King's Pool, but my donkey couldn't get through the rubble.
We cannot always play the "glad" game… but we cannot deceive ourselves to think God has given us a spiritual gift of pointing out only the wrong we see. Facts are facts, in business, home, relationships in the church – we just can't look at what is pretty all the time either. So balance is the keyword here.
Proverbs 25:28 (NLT)
28 A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls.
Nehemiah 2:15 (NLT)
15 So, though it was still dark, I went up the Kidron Valley instead, inspecting the wall before I turned back and entered again at the Valley Gate.
It was still dark, but he could still probe the wound because he had a broken heart for the people. He also needed to get a pulse on the cost, timeline, manpower, and most importantly, the leadership needed to complete the task.
Nehemiah 2:16 (NLT)
16 The city officials did not know I had been out there or what I was doing, for I had not yet said anything to anyone about my plans. I had not yet spoken to the Jewish leaders--the priests, the nobles, the officials, or anyone else in the administration.
He had the passion. He had the right heart. He has the vision. He has the faith. But he has not told a soul until this moment.
Nehemiah 2:17 (NLT)
17 But now I said to them, "You know very well what trouble we are in. Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire. Let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem and end this disgrace!"
Good leaders build great teams, and there is no "I" in "team." He went to the leaders already in place and offered them the opportunity to join in the work. He did not bark orders or cast blame for the current condition – he offered hope (let's rebuild… and end this disgrace.)
Nehemiah 2:18 (NLT)
18 Then I told them about how the gracious hand of God had been on me, and about my conversation with the king. They replied at once, "Yes, let's rebuild the wall!" So they began the good work.
Now it's time to share the testimony of God's work in his life. It started with the message of the condition of the walls from his brothers, his broken heart for the people where he sat down, prayed, and mourned, followed by forty days of prayer for the nation, for the family, and for his personal confession. He received favor from the king (How can I help you?), provision from the king (letters and materials), and protection from the king (military escort). Every step of God's plan counts and also is a vital part of our testimony. God does not waste a season, or a trial, or a heartache.
Section 6
Verse 19-20 - A man with God's power and perseverance
Nehemiah 2:19 (NLT)
19 But when Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem the Arab heard of our plan, they scoffed contemptuously. "What are you doing? Are you rebelling against the king?" they asked.
All I know is that once it is clear who the enemies are, you don't have to give them any details because their hearts are not right. It is much like casting your pearls before swine.
The king who the enemy thought was being rebelled against actually joined Nehemiah and sent him personally; gave him safe passage; provided the resources and materials; awarded him a paid leave of absence; provided him personal military protection.
There are always people that oppose the work of God… they undermine the foundation of the work with doubt. They sidetrack the workers with discouragement. They mix up wheelbarrows full of discord.
So, Nehemiah's response boldly comes from his confidence in God.
Nehemiah 2:20 (NLT)
20 I replied, "The God of heaven will help us succeed. We, his servants, will start rebuilding this wall. But you have no share, legal right, or historic claim in Jerusalem."
Because God gave him the burden, because God turned the heart of the king before his own eyes, he could boldly say now that God will finish the work.
Nehemiah 2:20b (NLT)
20 I replied, "The God of heaven will help us succeed. We, his servants, will start rebuilding this wall. But you have no share, legal right, or historic claim in Jerusalem."
The people that oppose the work of God will miss out on the blessing from God. They will miss out on seeing the power of God. They miss out on fellowship with God and fellowship with other believers celebrating the victory from God. God's work will always come to pass, and no opposing enemies or the gates of hell will prevail.
Verses 1-3 – A man with a love for people
Verse 4 – A man with a God-sized problem
Verses 5-7 – A man driven to pray
Verses 8-9 – A man clinging to God's promises
Verse 11 – A man ready to do something with a petition to God
Today's message is titled "Let's Build." We'll be in Nehemiah 2:1-20, and we'll be breaking the message down into six sections.
Section 1
Verses 1-3 – A man with a passion
Nehemiah 2:1 (NLT)
1 Early the following spring, in the month of Nisan, during the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes' reign, I was serving the king his wine. I had never before appeared sad in his presence.
Now, we start Chapter 2 with a date, about forty days from when Nehemiah received the news of the broken-down nation and broken-down people.
Let's look at the benefits of forty days of fervent prayer. Nehemiah was in prayer. He was allowing God to work in his heart, and he was listening to the Lord on what he was supposed to do with the information that he was given.
Our heart changes, and the content of our prayer changes
Our prayer becomes more intense and desperate
Our prayer becomes more specific and more sensitive to the leading of the Spirit
The burden intensifies – either take this burden from me or show me how to be the man to answer this call
Learn to wait on God with the right heart without bitterness and resentment – can be one of the most rewarding and personal time of maturity and personal growth for us as Christians
Let's go back to verse 1, serving the king's wine. This is a cupbearer.
A Cupbearer has specific job duties, protecting the man and the people who conquered his ancestors and nation. The cupbearer is a high-ranking official in the royal household. He was in the inner court and close to the king in many ways – he is a governor/decision-maker. He is the personal bodyguard to the king, tasting the food and wine to protect the king. He demonstrates that the food and wine were not poisoned. He also has a significant position of hiring/firing staff.
Let's do a quick review of his character traits. Trustworthy. We're kind of funny when it comes to trust. Some of us might hand somebody an empty bucket of trust and say that in order for somebody to trust you, you're going to have to fill this bucket up in the time that we get to know each other, and eventually – hopefully – this bucket will (if you don't tip it over or punch a hole in it or spill any) then I'll learn to trust you. Then, there are others that might hand somebody a full bucket of trust, to begin with. And then, through time, you would hope that maybe that person wouldn't spill any, or knock it over, or tip it over. We learn to trust people in different ways, don't we? He was trustworthy.
He was faithful and followed through. When the king would give him a task, it was out of the king's hands from that point on, and the king knew that man was going to follow through and take care of it. He was loyal – reliable. When he said he was going to do something – he did it. He had an impressive character that takes a lifetime to acquire and can be destroyed in moments.
He had a supernatural discernment for the people working for him. I am certain that the protection and the way that he had to provide a safe means of life for his job, that he must have been able to read people and see if people were on track, in line, not derailed. You can only imagine what kind of accountability process he must have had in place in order for where the food came from, and how it got there, and who grew it, or who took care of the meat, or whatever. There were all of these different aspects that would have had to have been a high level of accountability.
He was a trusted advisor. I am sure there were many times he was asked what his advice would be or how he would handle something.
Nehemiah 2:2 (NLT)
2 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,
Was the next thing he was going to hear "Off with his head"? He was terrified because it was not acceptable for people to be sad while in the king's presence. It's kind of like the fake way we all act around people we don't really like or don't enjoy being around. "How is it going?" "Oh, it's so good to see you." "How have you been?"
What does deeply troubled look like?
1. A downcast face that you can't shake off
2. A look of hopelessness or deep distress
3. Looks like all the characteristics of a broken heart
4. So if you wear your emotions on your sleeve, then be okay when someone asks you how you're doing and give an honest answer
5. Find a trusted, godly friend for counsel and prayer
6. Allow them to bring accountability to your sorrow with steps to bring resolve
Ecclesiastes 7:3 (NLT)
3 Sorrow is better than laughter, for sadness has a refining influence on us.
Even Jesus is called "The Man of Many Sorrows," so if you are deeply troubled this morning, you are in good company.
Nehemiah 2:3 (NLT)
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."
"Long live the king" is an encouraging morale boost for the king. It's a common phrase to break the silence. Nehemiah was being called out. It's also a subtle reminder of Nehemiah's faithful service and trustworthy character.
Nehemiah 2:3b (NLT)
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."
How can I not be sad? He has been praying with a heavy burden for forty plus days, and it is not going away. We have all been in that place before. He has not seen the problem, but he is fully aware of the burden. This is a great reminder for us – when seeking God's will in prayer, be sure to follow the burden and not the problem.
Let's look at a few keys to not force an answer from God in prayer. Nehemiah understood it was not his place to change the king's heart. He prayed and left it up to the Lord, not dropping hints or manipulation to people around him. He showed patience and longsuffering, purposely suffering long for the good of the burden. It always comes down to God's terms and God's timing; we need to be flexible and patient. Are we trying to change someone's heart instead of leaving it up to the Lord to do it? Truly leaving it up to the Lord trusts God's terms and God's timing.
Section 2
Verses 4-6 - A man with clear permission
Nehemiah 2:4 (NLT)
4 The king asked, "Well, how can I help you?" With a prayer to the God of heaven,
But, why was the king so willing to help? Number one – don't forget, God is still in control, not us!
Proverbs 21:1 (NLT)
1 The king's heart is like a stream of water directed by the LORD; he guides it wherever he pleases.
Number two – God used the lifelong witness and character of Nehemiah as a trusted man. He was the personal bodyguard to the king. He had an impressive accountability system, which must have been accurate and working because they were both still alive. Nehemiah was a teambuilder – he had a supernatural gift of discernment to work with people. He demonstrated his accountability daily that the food and wine were safe to eat and drink. He was reliable and trustworthy in the day-to-day routine. He was a staffing expert, and he had a bulletproof system for safe food and wine resources. Nehemiah had a proven life or death protection system in place. It was people – not technology.
Nehemiah had some great leadership quality traits, which we have mentioned before. He was trustworthy, faithful, loyal, he had proven character, which was time tested, and he was a trusted advisor. When the king answered, how can I help you? Nehemiah knew the forty days of prayer was answered. At the end of every difficult circumstance or difficult situation that God allows us to experience is a testimony of God's goodness. I wonder, how many times have we stopped short by giving up?
So, it was time to strike while the iron was hot, so he immediately prayed again.
Nehemiah 2:4b (NLT)
4 The king asked, "Well, how can I help you?" With a prayer to the God of heaven,
Prayer is talking, listening, and being sensitive to God's timing all in one breath. This prayer is not for forty days this time, but four seconds – "Lord, help me!" Four seconds of heartfelt, desperate dependency of God and God alone. Prayer does not have to be long to be effective.
Psalm 38:22 (NLT)
22 Come quickly to help me, O Lord my savior.
Psalm 86:1 (NLT)
1 Bend down, O LORD, and hear my prayer; answer me, for I need your help.
Nehemiah 2:5 (NLT)
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."
This was Nehemiah's subtle reminder of his years of faithful service and if the king would like to join him.
Nehemiah 2:5b (NLT)
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."
Wisdom is shown here by Nehemiah asking the king to send him and join him. Inviting the king to help carry the burden of his trusted friend is an earmark of a team builder. There are many senders (people) that financially support and make a way for the goers/doers to do the work that God is calling them to do. The king became a partner as a financial sender, and he will get the same reward in heaven as the goer.
Nehemiah 2:6 (NLT)
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.
God's plans are accomplished by people. God works through prayerful planning. God also accomplishes his will outside of our planning. But, in every case, God works through planning – if not our planning, then his planning.
Psalm 33:11(NLT)
11 But the LORD's plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken.
Proverbs 21:5 (NLT)
5 Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.
You have heard it said that poor planning promotes poor performance. If God has given you a ministry to be a steward of, do not forget it is a privilege to serve the King of King's. Set your heart to prepare and plan and then praise him for the results.
Section 3
Verses 7-8 - A man with provision
Nehemiah 7-8 (NLT)
7 I also said to the king, "If it please the king, let me have letters addressed to the governors of the province west of the Euphrates River, instructing them to let me travel safely through their territories on my way to Judah.
8 And please give me a letter addressed to Asaph, the manager of the king's forest, instructing him to give me timber. I will need it to make beams for the gates of the Temple fortress, for the city walls, and for a house for myself." And the king granted these requests, because the gracious hand of God was on me.
Sorry, I have just a couple more things on planning.
1. Nehemiah has never seen this project, but the forty days of prayer gave him the vision
2. He knew what needed to be done without seeing it for himself
3. He knew how long he needed to be gone
4. He knew he needed letters for safe passage
5. He knew he needed permission to gather the materials
6. He wisely invited the king to participate with the plan God gave him
7. The Spirit of God that gave him the vision also gave him the boldness to ask for what was needed
Section 4
Verses 9-10 - A man with protection
Nehemiah 2:9 (NLT)
9 When I came to the governors of the province west of the Euphrates River, I delivered the king's letters to them. The king, I should add, had sent along army officers and horsemen to protect me.
Godly leadership plans and then puts it into action, so he jumped on the then commuter train for 800 miles.
Let's review how we got here.
It started with a God-sized burden
Followed by desperate prayer
He received a vision from God
He was empowered by Spirit-filled planning
Faith to move forward
Notice the next event in our text – once you follow through with God's plan.
Nehemiah 2:10 (NLT)
10 But when Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard of my arrival, they were very displeased that someone had come to help the people of Israel.
That's right, you guessed it (or you read ahead), opposition from spiritual enemies. The opposition did not appear until he put the plan into action. Remember, the enemy wants you to "just survive" or even less. The enemy wants you to live in fear, worry, stress, and beaten down. So, when we begin to rebuild, expect opposition.
Section 5
Verses 11-18 - A man with a heart for God's plan
Nehemiah 2:11(NLT)
11 So I arrived in Jerusalem. Three days later,
He arrived, but he did not move for three days from the secret place.
Here's a quick quote from Alan Redpath
"It is good to have Christian friends, but it is dangerous to wear your heart on your sleeve. Have a secret place somewhere which nobody knows anything about but you and God."
Here are the ingredients for searching out God's plan
1. Praying
2. Waiting
3. Patience
4. Timing
Nehemiah 2:12 (NLT)
12 I slipped out during the night, taking only a few others with me. I had not told anyone about the plans God had put in my heart for Jerusalem. We took no pack animals with us except the donkey I was riding.
Nehemiah went out counterclockwise and circled the perimeter to study and survey the broken-down walls and burned gates. Nehemiah still has not spoken to anyone about his burden for the broken-hearted people living in fear, worry, insecurity, and reproach.
Nehemiah 2:13 (NLT)
13 After dark I went out through the Valley Gate, past the Jackal's Well, and over to the Dung Gate to inspect the broken walls and burned gates.
The word "inspect" in verse 13 is a medical term for probing a wound to see the extent of the damage.
Nehemiah 2:14 (NLT)
14 Then I went to the Fountain Gate and to the King's Pool, but my donkey couldn't get through the rubble.
We cannot always play the "glad" game… but we cannot deceive ourselves to think God has given us a spiritual gift of pointing out only the wrong we see. Facts are facts, in business, home, relationships in the church – we just can't look at what is pretty all the time either. So balance is the keyword here.
Proverbs 25:28 (NLT)
28 A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls.
Nehemiah 2:15 (NLT)
15 So, though it was still dark, I went up the Kidron Valley instead, inspecting the wall before I turned back and entered again at the Valley Gate.
It was still dark, but he could still probe the wound because he had a broken heart for the people. He also needed to get a pulse on the cost, timeline, manpower, and most importantly, the leadership needed to complete the task.
Nehemiah 2:16 (NLT)
16 The city officials did not know I had been out there or what I was doing, for I had not yet said anything to anyone about my plans. I had not yet spoken to the Jewish leaders--the priests, the nobles, the officials, or anyone else in the administration.
He had the passion. He had the right heart. He has the vision. He has the faith. But he has not told a soul until this moment.
Nehemiah 2:17 (NLT)
17 But now I said to them, "You know very well what trouble we are in. Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire. Let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem and end this disgrace!"
Good leaders build great teams, and there is no "I" in "team." He went to the leaders already in place and offered them the opportunity to join in the work. He did not bark orders or cast blame for the current condition – he offered hope (let's rebuild… and end this disgrace.)
Nehemiah 2:18 (NLT)
18 Then I told them about how the gracious hand of God had been on me, and about my conversation with the king. They replied at once, "Yes, let's rebuild the wall!" So they began the good work.
Now it's time to share the testimony of God's work in his life. It started with the message of the condition of the walls from his brothers, his broken heart for the people where he sat down, prayed, and mourned, followed by forty days of prayer for the nation, for the family, and for his personal confession. He received favor from the king (How can I help you?), provision from the king (letters and materials), and protection from the king (military escort). Every step of God's plan counts and also is a vital part of our testimony. God does not waste a season, or a trial, or a heartache.
Section 6
Verse 19-20 - A man with God's power and perseverance
Nehemiah 2:19 (NLT)
19 But when Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem the Arab heard of our plan, they scoffed contemptuously. "What are you doing? Are you rebelling against the king?" they asked.
All I know is that once it is clear who the enemies are, you don't have to give them any details because their hearts are not right. It is much like casting your pearls before swine.
The king who the enemy thought was being rebelled against actually joined Nehemiah and sent him personally; gave him safe passage; provided the resources and materials; awarded him a paid leave of absence; provided him personal military protection.
There are always people that oppose the work of God… they undermine the foundation of the work with doubt. They sidetrack the workers with discouragement. They mix up wheelbarrows full of discord.
So, Nehemiah's response boldly comes from his confidence in God.
Nehemiah 2:20 (NLT)
20 I replied, "The God of heaven will help us succeed. We, his servants, will start rebuilding this wall. But you have no share, legal right, or historic claim in Jerusalem."
Because God gave him the burden, because God turned the heart of the king before his own eyes, he could boldly say now that God will finish the work.
Nehemiah 2:20b (NLT)
20 I replied, "The God of heaven will help us succeed. We, his servants, will start rebuilding this wall. But you have no share, legal right, or historic claim in Jerusalem."
The people that oppose the work of God will miss out on the blessing from God. They will miss out on seeing the power of God. They miss out on fellowship with God and fellowship with other believers celebrating the victory from God. God's work will always come to pass, and no opposing enemies or the gates of hell will prevail.