The man, Nehemiah

Nehemiah 1 & 5

Introduction

Some people’s knowledge of the Old Testament is a bit sketchy. They know all about Abraham, Joseph, Moses and David – but then things get a bit vague. The nation of Israel gets split into two kingdoms, Judah and Israel, but they are not really clear about what happened during this period. They know something about the prophets with their Messianic prophecies, but are not sure where they fit into the history of the people of God. They know there is a gap between the Old Testament and New Testament, but are unaware that it is a gap of 400 years. People have the vaguest ideas about what happened to the Jews, and who overran them. Some Bibles have the Apocrypha between the two Testaments. These are Jewish writings, but what they contain and why Roman Catholics accept them and we don’t, people are not clear about. So the significance of Nehemiah in all this is not fully appreciated.

Couple that with the fact that Nehemiah is not even mentioned in the New Testament, and his fate is sealed! – He cannot be important! Some also find him an unattractive character, rather savage, throwing his weight around, dealing sharply with his enemies (Nehemiah 4:4,5) and with fellow Jews (Nehemiah 13:25). Hence Nehemiah is often neglected, and we impoverished thereby. He may not be the kind of man we like to hear about or like to preach about, but he was indeed God’s man for the hour. When the people of God returned from captivity, Nehemiah rebuilt the ruined city of Jerusalem, he reorganized the Jews and made them into a nation again, he repelled their enemies threatening them, he rebuilt the faith of the Jews and gave them new self-respect and confidence as a nation once again.

We are going to introduce him in a general way today, whetting the appetite to learn more about him. Later we shall see there is much to learn about service for God in his story.

Nehemiah’s weaknesses

Certainly there was a rough edge to Nehemiah. But so is there to many leaders. Men with clear vision tend to be determined, expect loyalty, do not compromise, and take a black and white attitude to life. We either love them or loathe them. We are either for or against. But they get things done. Paul raised strong emotions. People either gave him loyalty or they kept out of his way. So with other great leaders and reformers down through history, e.g. John Knox in Scotland. These are men who faced enormous problems, and overcame, made breakthroughs and achieved things. Less forthright, easy going and pleasant people would have failed completely in similar circumstances. Let’s not forget that Jesus’ cleansing of the Temple, and denunciation of the Pharisees, are rougher than anything recorded in Nehemiah.

Nehemiah was not perfect. Nor were any of God’s great men – in or out of the Bible. They were all fallen creatures and all saved by grace alone. Despite their achievements, they all failed in many ways. There is only one perfect character and only one sinless person who ever walked this earth. The rest are failures.

Nehemiah’s strengths

Nehemiah’s strengths and achievements were truly remarkable. If some have found him off-putting, others have derived great help and encouragement from his life and work. Some in the ministry today, facing fierce opposition, have been inspired by Nehemiah’s example.

(a) Nehemiah’s personal zeal. Nehemiah had zeal and passion for God’s honour and glory and was concerned to magnify the Lord. O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name (Nehemiah 1:11). We see the same desire in the words of the Psalmists, in the life of the Lord and in the life of Paul.

Most of us have to confess this is a flame that does not burn very brightly. Most are like the lukewarm Laodicean church, drifting along cheerfully in becalmed churches, feeling all is right. We need to remember how God repudiated the Laodiceans: because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth (Revelation 3:16). Zeal is not fanaticism, or empty enthusiasm or pushy egoism, but humble reverent business-like commitment to hallowing God’s name and doing His will. It is being a man of one thing, This one thing I do (Philippians 3:13), and being earnest, whole-hearted and fervent.

Burning with zeal for one thing – to please God and advance His glory. Zeal for God, and not for self, or success, or recognition, or popularity, or to see a full church or healthy church bank balance. What a change and revolution there would be in some churches if the minister, elders, deacons and members were just interested in this one thing – simply pleasing God. Such people can be uncomfortable companions. When they see God’s truth and honour undermined, they do not let the matter slide, and they seem to rock the boat when they speak up, draw people’s attention to the issue, seek to cause a change of mind and outlook. They do so at personal risk – and here Nehemiah is an example to them.

(b) Nehemiah’s pastoral commitment. Nehemiah had a pastoral concern for the needy and weak and downtrodden. In Nehemiah 5 we read how he took time out while rebuilding the walls to help the poor who were short of food and who were being exploited by the rich. He renounced the right to food and money that he was entitled to as governor, and was hospitable and generous to many people.

Such conduct was an example to those who were leaders under him. He was not a dictator, neither was he a doormat. He did not ride roughshod over people, nor did he let people ride roughshod over him.

(c) Practical wisdom. Nehemiah was heavenly minded – and also of earthly use. He made realistic plans and got things done. He gave up an easy life at court for the demanding task of governor of Jerusalem, constantly opposed, but with resolution he rebuilt and reorganized Jerusalem. He rose to every challenge with ingenuity and insight.

He collected building materials, organized builders and guards, diffused discontent, averted a strike, maintained morale, engaged in tricky negotiations, established clear rules about race, temple service and Sabbath observances. Plenty of headaches were endured. He displayed many skills as a negotiator and organiser. The result was outstanding achievements. He rebuilt the ruined walls and gates of Jerusalem within 52 days – despite all the prophecies of others that it could not be done. He restored regular temple worship, ensured there was careful instruction from the Law of God and observance of Sabbath and godly family life.

So he was the true founder of Israel’s life as a nation after exile, making him one of the greatest leaders of the Bible, deserving to be known as intimately as Abraham, Moses, David and Paul. Yet all his achievements are traceable to his relationship with God. These were not mere human achievements. Prayers for the help of God punctuate the whole story, and indicate where his strength lay. Day by day he was looking to the Lord. Give your servant success (Nehemiah 1:11). I prayed to the God of heaven (2:4). Hear us, O our God, for we are despised (4:4). You have kept your promise because you are righteous (9:8).

Then the phrase occurs, I had not told anyone what my God had put in my heart to do for Jerusalem (2:12), So my God put it into my heart (7:5). He also mentions this work had been done with the help of our God (6:16). He did not take the credit. He was merely the human agent. God was the source of energy and wisdom. God alone must have the praise.