Seeds for 09/11/2024 - Nehemiah 2:17-18
Scripture:
17 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.” 18 I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me.
They replied, “Let us start rebuilding.” So they began this good work.
Observation:
Having laid his own eyes on Jerusalem’s condition, Nehemiah is now ready to share his vision with the others. Let’s take a look at what’s happening in these short verses.
First, Nehemiah names the problem and appeals to their first hand experience of the truth: “Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire.” To work for change, Nehemiah names the present reality and acknowledges that they see it clearly for what it is.
Second, Nehemiah invites them to join him in making it right. “Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem.” (emphasis mine) He states the action needed and declares it to be a community project. A shared project of this importance can strengthen them as a community together while completing a vital work.
Third, Nehemiah names the difference that this shared mission will make: “and we will no longer be in disgrace.” It goes beyond the physical repairs to what they signify—the impact on the community and its identity.
Fourth, Nehemiah shares a personal witness as to how the vision for this work came to him and how God has been at work.
At this the people are ready to move into action: “Let us start rebuilding.”
Application:
When has someone helped you clearly see a problem or need?
If you were moved to action, what helped you join in the work?
What else might the Holy Spirit be speaking with you about in the text today?
Prayer: Lord, bring us together around visions for godly work, that you might advance your kingdom both in us and through us. 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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