Daily Thought

Nehemiah tells the story of how a small remnant of Jews, returning from captivity in Babylon, were instrumental in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem that had lain in dereliction since the city had been overthrown by Nebuchadnezzar. This they did in the face of tremendous difficulties, and the autobiographical style of writing that is largely adopted by Nehemiah in presenting his account of the proceedings allows us a rare insight into the thoughts and feelings of the man. His was a veritable roller coaster of experience, and during the various crises that occurred throughout those desperate times, one obvious characteristic of Nehemiah’s is discernable -his attachment to prayer.

Although himself situated in privileged circumstances, being cup-bearer to the Persian king, Nehemiah held total allegiance to Jehovah, God of Israel, and His people Israel. His heart was far removed from the lavish surroundings he enjoyed in that centre of royalty and earthly power; he recognized it for what it was - not of the true God, but of this world, 1 John 2. 16. His heart was set in a place far away, a place chosen by God to set His name there, v. 9. So, making contact with those of his countrymen that had visited Judah, he enquires of them as to the state of the people there, and of the city of Jerusalem. The depressing report they deliver makes him distraught, and he turns to God as the only possible source of help in the circumstances. The words he utters in prayer are recorded for us - they are most moving to read and consider, and fall into four sections. He glorifies God, v. 5. He confesses the sins of his people, vv. 6, 7. He claims God’s promises to them, vv. 8, 9. He intercedes on their behalf, vv. 10, 11.

Some points of practical application arise from this account.

Our first allegiance must ever be to God, and the things of God, and we must never allow the congeniality of the circumstances in which God has placed us to distract us from this.

Our heart must be set ‘on things above, not on things on the earth’, Col. 3. 1, 2. After the manner of Nehemiah, our prayerful approach to God on behalf of His people, as individuals and in companies, should be based on personal inquiry, vv. 1-3; practical involvement, v. 4; prayerful intervention, vv. 5-10; passionate interest, v. 11.