Seeds for 09/03/2024 - Nehemiah 2:4-5
Scripture:
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.”
Observations:
First, Nehemiah’s authenticity opens up the possibility of the king’s question, “What is it you want?” While no guarantee of outward favor or success, it is worth noting that authenticity with ourselves can make important conversations possible, which is what we see in this instance.
Second, Nehemiah is still praying. He fasted and prayed for an undisclosed period so that some door would open. Now it has. The king asks what he wants! Prayer for Nehemiah is like breath. Paul would have praised him for praying without ceasing. Prayer is his first response, not his last resort. God is his constant companion, so in the short span between hearing the king’s question and opened his mouth to reply, Nehemiah prays.
Third, Nehemiah claims the calling upon his heart. He shows appropriate deference to the king while at the same time stating his desire plainly. He requests that the king “send me to the city in Judah where my ancestors are buried so that I can rebuild it.” This is what is on his heart. When asked, he is truthful.
Application:
When has it been difficult to be authentic about a calling or desire on your heart?
What (or would have) helped you practice honesty and authenticity in that situation?
What else might the Holy Spirit be speaking with you about in the text today?
Prayer: Lord, help me turn to your constant companionship in prayer daily. Lead me to healthy honesty and authenticity in my relationships. Amen.
“But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” (Matthew 13:23)
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