Toda's lesson comes from Nehemiah 2: 4-13; 17, 18. Four months had passed since Nehemiah first heard about the conditions of the home land. He had spent long hours in payer seeking God's leadership and yo obtain God's favor. As Nehemiah did his work before the king, his sad countenance was noticed by the king. No sadness was allowed in the king's presence (Esther 4:2), but Nehemiah could not hide the sorrow of his heart. He told the king his grief, "The city, the place of my fathers' sepulchers, lieth waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire."
The first section is "Requests Granted." vv. 4-8 After hearing the cause of Nehemiah's sadness, the king asked, "For what dost thou make request?" Nehemiah said a short mental prayer and stated, "If it please the king...that wouldest send me to Judah, unto the city of my fathers' sepulchres, that I may build it." Short mental prayers are effective if there has been extended periods of prayer prior. We should never allow our prayer life to be limited to short mental prayers.
The king asked some questions and Nehemiah had the answers ready. No doubt the time spent in prayer had prepared him for this moment. Some believe that Nehemiah suggested a year for his absence and later requested an extension. WE know that Nehemiah became governor of Judah for a period of twelve years.
Nehemiah requested letters from the king for two purposes. First, the letter would guarantee safe passage until he arrived in Judah. Second, the letter was to secure the necessary building materials for the reconstruction. Nehemiah had three projects in mind: construction of the palace, i.e. a fortress for the temple area, the wall of the city. and the actual temple area. The king granted all of Nehemiah's requests. Nehemiah took no credit for himself and with the psalmist he could say, "this is the LORD's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes." (Psalm 118: 23)
The summary points for this section are:
1. Short mental prayers are no substitute for a consistent prayer life.
2. Always take your requests to God before man.
3. All credit for our blessings go to God.
The second section is "Opposition Identified." vv. 9, 10 As Nehemiah travelled to Jerusalem, he delivered the king's letters to the governors on his route. Sanballat the Horonite was governor of Samaria. He became very upset when he read the letters from the king. His friend, Tobiah the Ammonite was extremely grieved. These two men would become the chief opposition to Nehemiah's efforts to rebuild Jerusalem. They waned the Jews to remain a reproach, their cities without walls and defenseless.
The summary points for this section are:
1. When you are doing God's will, there will always be opposition.
2. Though you may not see it, God will provide protection.
3. Those that oppose God's plan know that ultimately they will be defeated.
The third section is "Ruins Inspected." vv. 11-13 When Nehemiah arrived in Jerusalem after his long trip, he rested three days. However, he was still active. He was laying the plans for the work ahead. He was meeting with different people including civic leaders and spiritual leaders. After the three days, he made an inspection of the ruins. This was a time of careful contemplation. He was surveying the situation and making plans to be able to successfully complete his mission.
Nehemiah began at the Valley Gate on the southwestern side of the city. He then proceeded southward to the dung gate where the refuse of the city was brought. Next, he traveled up the Kidron Valley and passed the temple mount. Finally, he crossed the northern end of the city and down the western side back to the Valley Gate. He viewed the entire project so he could effectively complete his planning. While Nehemiah appeared well organized and an efficient planner, he said, "nether told I any man what my God had put in my heart to do at Jerusalem." It was God who had planted the desire in Nehemiah and God was leading him.
The summary points for this section are:
1. Before beginning a project for the Lord, always sit down and count the costs before beginning.
2. Knowing that a project is God's will does not eliminate the need for careful planning.
3. Where God guides, He will supply.
The fourth section is "Workers Enlisted." vv. 17, 18 After reviewing the ruins, and laying out his plans, Nehemiah called the people together. First, he wanted to stress the need (v. 17). Then, he enlisted their participation (v. 17). Nehemiah assured them that the rebuilding of the wall was not merely his idea. God had protected him on the journey, given him wisdom and He had provided the materials for the project to be completed. Having heard such words of assurance, the people responded enthusiastically, "Let us rise up and build." The people and leaders took hope and encouraged each other. (v. 18)
The summary points for this section are:
1. God wants His people to build a strong church to resist the enemy.
2. Leaders that follow God's direction will inspire the people.
3. We are to inspire each other to build God's kingdom. It is a group effort.
The Golden Text is: "Come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem." (New. 2: 17) There is a message for us today, especially today given the attack on the church. We need to build walls around the church. The wall consists of faith and good works. As we walk in faith and are true to the Word of God, the church will be safe from harm. False prophets and teachers will be kept at bay. Satan will find no opening to infiltrate God's Word, provided we remain true to His Word. Let us be faithful to build the wall in front of us. That would be our home, our church and our community.
Next week, "Threatened but Determined." Nehemiah 4: 1-14
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