Leap of Faith
After the Exile • Sermon • Submitted
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1. Be Honest about how you feel 2:1-3
1. Be Honest about how you feel 2:1-3
The month of Nisan (March-April) is four months after the month of Chislev
Four months of this stewing in his heart brought him to this place on this day when he no longer was able to conceal the reality of his heart
Sad = badly made, of small worth, poor; contemptible, evil, reprobate
There is a difference between someone who is “unhappy” and someone who is “sad”
Artaxerxes described it as “sadness of heart”.
A genuine discontent with the reality of life, not a momentary dissatisfaction with fleeting realities.
This was a dangerous place to be for Nehemiah. The one who was tasting the king’s cup now had a sadness in his heart.
Had Nehemiah tasted something that was out of line?
Was Nehemiah plotting something himself (remember the Hebrew word can mean contemptible, evil, reprobate)?
Nehemiah immediately pledged his loyalty to Artaxerxes and then expressed the reason for his grief. - vs. 3
Nehemiah immediately pledged his loyalty to Artaxerxes and then expressed the reason for his grief. - vs. 3
Too often we try to hide the reality of what we are feeling because we are afraid.
His homeland was in disarray and Nehemiah was speaking to the one who could change the circumstances.
His boldness in describing the city has to be admired in light of the fact that he is speaking to the one who is responsible for the current condition.
2. Follow God’s Leadership 2:4-8
2. Follow God’s Leadership 2:4-8
“What is it you want?”
“What is it you want?”
It is important to have a clear vision of what God is leading you to do as you seek to honor Him.
When given the opportunity to express his hearts desire, Nehemiah had to display a great faith in God’s power and direction.
“I prayed to the God of heaven”
“I prayed to the God of heaven”
It is so awesome that the scripture says that before Nehemiah answered the king, he prayed…again.
Now, listen, the time to pray is before you stand before the king, but in that moment, Nehemiah wanted to recenter himself in God’s will.
“send me to the city…so that I can rebuild it”
“send me to the city…so that I can rebuild it”
Nehemiah was exceptionally honest about his intentions.
He didn’t hide the desire to rebuild Jerusalem.
The sadness of his heart led him to action and Nehemiah was not ashamed of God’s call.
The details were completely secondary but Nehemiah wasn’t shy about asking.
The details were completely secondary but Nehemiah wasn’t shy about asking.
Nehemiah set a timetable.
He asked for the king’s protection.
He asked for the king’s provisions.
He recognized God’s favor as the king agreed to his requests.
3. Expect Opposition 2:9-10
3. Expect Opposition 2:9-10
Sanballat the Horonite likely from Beth-horon a Canaanite city whose name means “the house of Hauron, the God of the underworld.
Tobiah the Ammonite (descended from Lot’s youngest daughter) was likely a governor of sorts in the area of Jerusalem.
Nehemiah’s quest was going to upset the applecart for these two. Tobiah in particular was highly placed and had many influential allies.
Nehemiah’s first obstacle was not the wall but these people who did not want to see God’s kingdom re-established for fear of their own kingdoms.
Most people who stand in opposition to you when you follow God are simply afraid.
They are scared of what your decision may mean for them and their plans.
Nehemiah still pressed on!
PART TWO
4. Examine EVERYTHING 2:11-16
4. Examine EVERYTHING 2:11-16
5. Enlist Others 2:17-18
5. Enlist Others 2:17-18
6. Make Sure EVERYTHING You Do is About God’s Glory 2:19-20
6. Make Sure EVERYTHING You Do is About God’s Glory 2:19-20