Nehemiah 2:11–20 - 11 So I came to Jerusalem and was there three days. 12 And I arose in the night, I and a few men with me. I did not tell anyone what my God was putting into my mind to do for Jerusalem and there was no animal with me except the animal on which I was riding. 13 So I went out at night by the Valley Gate in the direction of the Dragon’s Well and on to the Refuse Gate, inspecting the walls of Jerusalem which were broken down and its gates which were consumed by fire. 14 Then I passed on to the Fountain Gate and the King’s Pool, but there was no place for my mount to pass. 15 So I went up at night by the ravine and inspected the wall. Then I entered the Valley Gate again and returned. 16 The officials did not know where I had gone or what I had done; nor had I as yet told the Jews, the priests, the nobles, the officials or the rest who did the work. 17 Then I said to them, “You see the bad situation we are in, that Jerusalem is desolate and its gates burned by fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem so that we will no longer be a reproach.” 18 I told them how the hand of my God had been favorable to me and also about the king’s words which he had spoken to me. Then they said, “Let us arise and build.” So they put their hands to the good work. 19 But when Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab heard it, they mocked us and despised us and said, “What is this thing you are doing? Are you rebelling against the king?” 20 So I answered them and said to them, “The God of heaven will give us success; therefore we His servants will arise and build, but you have no portion, right or memorial in Jerusalem.”
What does today’s passage say?
In today's passage, Nehemiah travels to Jerusalem to personally inspect the damage after nightfall (v. 11). He quietly tours the entire extent of the ruined walls and burned gates under cover of darkness (vv. 12-16). After carefully examining the situation up close, Nehemiah meets with community leaders to share God's vision (v. 17). With confidence he rallies the people to rebuild the broken walls that leave Jerusalem exposed (v. 18). Regional leaders oppose Nehemiah's ambitious plans and openly mock the idea (v. 19). But Nehemiah stands firm in his conviction, countering that God will ensure their success in restoring the walls despite enemy resistance (v. 20).
How can I apply Nehemiah 2:11-20 to my life?
When Nehemiah heard that Jerusalem’s walls laid in ruin, he immediately turned to God in fasting and prayer. At the time, Nehemiah served as cupbearer to the Persian King Artaxerxes, certainly never anticipating that God would burden his heart to rebuild and restore Jerusalem. Yet that is exactly what transpired. Recognizing the desperate state of his ancestral city sparked a God-given vision within Nehemiah - he knew action must be taken so that his people would no longer live in disgrace and vulnerability. Though organizing such a monumental rebuilding project seemed implausible, Nehemiah’s priority rested not in calculating means but discerning the spiritual ends God desired. Through prayer, he received divine perspective and direction which in turn ignited courageous leadership. When God’s compelling vision takes hold of us, no obstacle or criticism can deter us from the task at hand. We need not hold a leadership title to spark change. As evidenced in this passage, it simply starts with availability to do God’s work. Here we witness ordinary servant Nehemiah becoming a visionary leader for God’s greater purpose. His example provides guiding principles for what Spirit-led leadership requires when rebuilding broken lives and communities. Here are some basics we must apply:
1. Commit to Quietly Seeking God's Direction Before Taking Action (vv. 11-16): Nehemiah surveys Jerusalem’s broken walls under the cover of night before announcing his plans, showing his commitment to discern God’s leading through prayerful examination rather than hasty words. Likewise, we must dedicate time to understanding situations prayerfully before determining action, rather than reacting rashly. Seeking God’s wisdom requires patient listening; we quiet our voice to hear His. As Nehemiah modeled, fully grasping reality from God’s perspective shapes strategic decisions. Rather than immediately vocalizing opinions or solutions, devote energy to silently absorbing context, analyzing from angles beyond self, and inquiring of the Lord. Allow God to recalibrate vision, shifting initial assumptions. Approach opportunities and challenges as Nehemiah did - humbly and astutely questioning, “What exactly needs to be built here, Lord?” Let go of any need to impress with quick response and instead focus on thoughtfully discerning God’s purpose (Exodus 14:13-14; 1 Samuel 23:2; Psalms 46:10).
Food for Thought: What situations are prompting knee-jerk reactions versus prayerful deliberation? How can you devote time this week to “inspecting the wall” God may want rebuilt in your life?
2. Share God's Vision Clearly and Boldly with Others (vv. 17-18): After thoughtfully discerning the state of Jerusalem's walls, Nehemiah then courageously shares God's vision for rebuilding them with community leaders, rallying their support through straightforward communication. Likewise, once we have sought the Lord's direction, we must articulate His purposes boldly and transparently, rather than hiding vision out of fear others may not understand. As demonstrated by Nehemiah, sharing a clear vision from God sparks others to action by revealing His purpose and plan. Therefore, we must voice God's plans with clarity and conviction, helping others grasp and share in His will. This requires moving past the uncertainty that vision might be rejected, misinterpreted, or doubted. Stand on God's promises; declare His intentions without hesitation or apology. Do not distort truth to achieve agreement. Trust that when vision stems from the Lord, it inherently carries power and does not need sugarcoating. Speak plainly as Nehemiah did, letting vision cast light on what God wants to do. Replace vague notions with clear vision from Him. As we voice God's vision accurately, communities unite around His purposes (Proverbs 29:18; Habakkuk 2:2-3; Matthew 5:14-16).
Food for Thought: What aspects of God's vision for your life or community feel unclear? How can you seek further direction from Him this week? What specific actions can you take to start sharing vision more openly?
3. Persevere Through Opposition by Trusting in God’s Strength and Keeping Focused on His Purpose (vv. 19-20): Nehemiah encounters resistance from surrounding regions who ridicule his plans to rebuild Jerusalem's walls. However, Nehemiah does not allow opposition to distract or discourage him from doing God's work. In the same way, when we undertake initiatives aligned with the Lord's will, pushback is inevitable. Yet we must not let resistance dissuade us or diminish our efforts. As Nehemiah modeled, persevering through opposition starts with fully relying on God's power versus our own. We counter critics not by debating them, but by praying to the One backing the project. We also tune out distractions by fixating on the vision God set before us, rather than opponents’ contempt. Though doing anything significant for the Lord guarantees resistance, we remember His purposes, promises and presence stand far above any naysayers. Nehemiah stayed vigilant against those trying to discourage God’s plans because he recognized that without walls, the community remained vulnerable. Therefore, he refused to quit, instead boldly declaring, “The God of heaven will give us success; therefore we His servants will arise and build...” (2 Chronicles 15:7; Isaiah 41:10; Galatians 6:9; Hebrews 10:36).
Food for Thought: What opposition or criticism is tempting you to abandon godly efforts? How can you rely more fully on God’s strength this week? What specific actions can you take to stay focused on His vision for you?
Nehemiah's leadership in beginning to rebuild Jerusalem's walls provides an inspiring example of what Spirit-directed leadership requires. His priority was seeking God's vision and direction through prayer before taking action. After thoughtfully discerning God's plans, Nehemiah then boldly rallied others to reconstruct the walls by transparently sharing the Lord's purposes. Though facing intense criticism, Nehemiah persevered through unwavering reliance on God's strength and continual focus on His vision being fulfilled. Likewise, when God wants to rebuild broken places in our lives or communities, we must first commit to understanding His perspective rather than reacting quickly. We then share His vision clearly with others to spark transformation. Finally, we refuse to abort God-given plans when opposition arises by fully trusting in the His power and keeping our eyes fixed on His purposes being accomplished through us. May Nehemiah's leadership stir us to make ourselves equally available so God can rebuild lives and communities through His vision revealed to humble, prayerful followers today.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
I pray that You would give me the humility and wisdom to quietly seek Your vision through prayer when facing decisions or situations requiring action. Help me to listen patiently rather than reacting hastily, fully discerning Your leading before determining my response. I also pray that You would give me boldness and clarity in sharing with others the rebuilding purposes You want fulfilled in my life, family, church, and community. I pray that You would help me to effectively and transparently communicate Your plans that You have revealed to me. Finally, I pray that You would strengthen my reliance on Your might and spiritual insight so that I persevere in doing Your work despite inevitable criticism or condemnation that will come. Enable me to tune out distracting voices attempting to discourage Your work in and through me by fixing my focus solely on bringing glory to You as I trust in Your power giving me success.
I pray these things in the most precious name of Jesus, Amen.
Nehemiah 2:20 – So I answered them and said to them, “The God of heaven will give us success; therefore we His servants will arise and build, but you have no portion, right or memorial in Jerusalem.”
With His Blessings,
Pastor Corby
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