Message Notes
For weekly message notes like this, download our app: App Store, Android
WHAT WAS HAPPENING IN ISRAEL?
The events in the story overlap with other books of the Bible.
Israel was no longer a kingdom or even a divided kingdom.
They were a remnant of exiles living in the shadow of the Persian Empire.
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.” —Nehemiah 1:3 (NIV)
When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. —Nehemiah 1:4 (NIV)
4 The king said to me, “What is it you want?” Then I prayed to the God of heaven, 5 and I answered the king, “If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my ancestors are buried so that I can rebuild it.” —Nehemiah 2:4-5 (NIV)
The Process of Making a Difference
1. You become aware.
2. You get a burden.
3. You are moved to action.
Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.” —Nehemiah 2:17 (NIV)