When Concern Moves Us to Action
Mike Freeman
November 13, 2022 AM
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Nehemiah 1:1-11 NLT
1 These are the memoirs of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah.
In late autumn, in the month of Kislev, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes’ reign, I was at the fortress of Susa. 2 Hanani, one of my brothers, came to visit me with some other men who had just arrived from Judah. I asked them about the Jews who had returned there from captivity and about how things were going in Jerusalem.
3 They said to me, “Things are not going well for those who returned to the province of Judah. They are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem has been torn down, and the gates have been destroyed by fire.”
4 When I heard this, I sat down and wept. In fact, for days I mourned, fasted, and prayed to the God of heaven. 5 Then I said, “O LORD, God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps his covenant of unfailing love with those who love him and obey his commands, 6 listen to my prayer! Look down and see me praying night and day for your people Israel. I confess that we have sinned against you. Yes, even my own family and I have sinned! 7 We have sinned terribly by not obeying the commands, decrees, and regulations that you gave us through your servant Moses.
8 “Please remember what you told your servant Moses: ‘If you are unfaithful to me, I will scatter you among the nations. 9 But if you return to me and obey my commands and live by them, then even if you are exiled to the ends of the earth, I will bring you back to the place I have chosen for my name to be honored.’
10 “The people you rescued by your great power and strong hand are your servants. 11 O Lord, please hear my prayer! Listen to the prayers of those of us who delight in honoring you. Please grant me success today by making the king favorable to me. Put it into his heart to be kind to me.”
In those days I was the king’s cup-bearer.
Nehemiah 2:17-18 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!” 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.
A. He prayed. (For 4 months)
1. He prayed with emotion. (1:4)
Spiritual Truth: When the Holy Spirit shows us the reality of people’s needs and the spiritual forces of darkness that are at work, true concern grips our heart.
2. He prayed in humility. (1:5-7)
Spiritual Truth: If you want to get God’s attention about a matter, humility is the key.
3. He asked God to remember His people and His promises. (1:8-10)
Spiritual Truth: God’s desire is to rebuild and restore His people so His name will be honored in our Nation, our community, our church, and in our lives.
4. He prayed with the intentions of doing something.
Spiritual Truth: If you see a need, ask God to help you meet the need.
B. He went to work (2:17-18)
1. Nehemiah used his influence and position to gain help from others.
2. Nehemiah used his leadership to encourage the people of Jerusalem to get to work.
What is the Holy Spirit saying to me through this message?
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