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Ordinary People … ……Extra-ordinary Faith

Ordinary People … ……Extra-ordinary Faith. Nehemiah - faith & action in the work place [Neh. Chapters 1 & 2]. Andy Dymond. Context for Nehemiah’s life. Persian (Iranian) exile period 5 th Century BC

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Ordinary People … ……Extra-ordinary Faith

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  1. Ordinary People … ……Extra-ordinary Faith Nehemiah - faith & action in the work place [Neh. Chapters 1 & 2] Andy Dymond

  2. Context for Nehemiah’s life • Persian (Iranian) exile period • 5th Century BC • Descended from Jewish exiles captured & brought into Babylonian exile 140 or so years previously (586 BC) • Then the Persians conquered Babylon in 539 BC • Cyrus the Great chosen by God (Isaiah 45: 1-7) to “subdue nations”, open doors, to return the Jews to Israel and to rebuild Jerusalem (538 BC) • Many Jews remained permanently in Persia & some in high positions but were never secure • The scene is set several generations after the return (445 BC) • Nehemiah had become a cup-bearer (wine taster) to the King

  3. Setting the scene • Nehemiah’s position was one of influence and honour, but also of risk • Compare Joseph, Moses, Rahab, David, Daniel, Esther • The information came through natural connections • A brother with others came to him with news (Ch 1: 1-2) • But acting on it brought huge risk to Nehemiah (Ch 2: 2-3) • Faith is the certainty of the unseen (Heb. 11:1) • Risk is the context, the physical reality, chance of loss or pain • Prayer brought faith and risk into harmony • Considered prayer (1:4) – accompanied by purposeful activities • Spontaneous prayer (2:4) – from a life of knowing God

  4. Lessons from the story • How do we respond as disciples to distressing national, business or family news or challenges? • The “Where is God in this?” dilemma • Does God care, or want to act? • If so ..... should he just act without our prayer? • What is our role in intercession, confession, faith, action? • Types of Prayer - We can’t just jump to the end game • Daily prayer encountering the Lord • Seeking & “wrestling” • Faith is a conclusion, not necessarily a starting point • Action on trust

  5. Timing of Nehemiah’s prayer & outcome • News came in the month Kislev, 20th year (Ch 1:1) • 9th month of the Jewish Calendar (Nov/Dec) • Wept, mourned, fasted & prayed (Ch 1: 4) • Sought for God’s will, and • Planned for positive answer & accepted opportunity • Outcome - Before the King in the month Nisan (Ch 2:1) • Same 20th year of King Artaxerxes (2:1) • 1st month of Jewish Calendar (Spring), 3-4 months later

  6. Nehemiah’s prayer diary (Ch. 1: 4-11) • Worship of the dependable God (v. 5) • Seek God’s attention (v.6) • Confess & identify self with the problem – corporate & personal sins (v.7) • Situation was rooted in historical & factual reality of sin & disobedience (v. 7-8) • Holding God to a promise (v. 9) • Visioning the route to God’s honour (v. 10) – compare Ex. 32 • Seeking for an answer (v. 11) • Taking action (v.11)

  7. “God’s good hand” on a willing servant • A sense that God’s call would need a mission plan • Trust in God built on results of 1st steps • Fearful start ...... “O King, live for ever” (Ch 2: 2-3) • King’s astounding answer ..... What is it you want? (v 4) • Second answer ..... OK, how long will it take? (v 6) • Confident request ....... Letters of passage “Visa”! (v 7) • Next request ....... Wood for construction (v 8) • Also received a cavalry escort! (v 9)

  8. The mission’s success – over 12 years • Confident arrival • Careful survey and faith combined (v 11-12) • Encountered opposition & plots from regional “powers” • Organized local Jewish officials, priests & nobles into the construction project • Completed the city walls in 52 days (Ch 6: 15) • Remained on as governor for 12 years • Restored the spiritual covenant life of the Jews, together with Ezra • Dealt with many problems & social justice issues • Was a leader who “walked the walk”

  9. Conclusion - Steps to service.... for every member in the midst of life • Approachable - Ready to hear & listen, and to be vulnerable • Responsible - challenging situations can lead to opportunity • Prayerful – Seek and ask... reason, promise, vision, steps • Open to calling – A sense of mission ... Prepare for it! • Patient - Wait for God’s timing – maybe disappointment or delay is a chance to plan & set markers for God’s confirmation • Confident in trouble – when we know God’s hand upon us • Bold – faith increases with each step, may start falteringly but God gives encouragement along the way

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