"The king asked, 'What do you want me to do?' I prayed to the God who rules from heaven. Then I told the king, 'Sir, if it's all right with you, please send me back to Judah, so that I can rebuild the city where my ancestors are buried.'" -Nehemiah 2:4-6
Before this conversation, Nehemiah had gone the whole day at work feeling depressed, and it showed. He had heard the awful news that his hometown, the city of Jerusalem, was in ruins, and it had torn him. So when Nehemiah came before the king to tell him what had been causing him to look so down and depressed, he was frightened. He knew that he was about to make a huge request for a cup bearer of his time. Yet even in knowing this, Nehemiah didn't let that discourage him from making such a big request.
Nehemiah was a man whose faith was firm in the Almighty God, so naturally he knew Who to take his concerns to first. He consulted the Heavenly King before coming before his earthly king (2:4), and because of his faith, God allowed king Artaxerxes to let Nehemiah return to Jerusalem to rebuild the city wall. Not only that, but "the emperor gave [him] all that he asked for, because God was with [him]." (2:8)
This is a big deal. Nehemiah was a cup bearer. Do you know what cup bearers did? Their job was literally to taste from the king's cup, or plate, to make sure that his drink or food were not poisoned. In other words, he was the guy that got hired to potentially die before the king ever got a chance. It's like being a dog food taster in today's age (I assume). It wasn't the most pleasing job, but Nehemiah performed his duties with joy. He was faithful in a little and so God blessed him to be faithful in much.
In many ways, Nehemiah and his devotion to God models for us two things:
Stewardship & Trust
God gives us all something––whether it be a child, a position of authority, a talent, or simply a 9-5 job. In that something, we are to use it to bring glory and honor to the One who deserves it. Before starting his 9-5 as the emperor's wine steward, Nehemiah began each day in prayer:
"Listen now to my prayer and to the prayers of all your other servants who want to honor you. Give me success today and make the emperor merciful to me.” (1:11)
Nehemiah's prayer was specific to his portion. God gave him a position as a cup bearer and Nehemiah prayed every morning to be successful and honoring in that position. He was grateful and he was faithful in a little, and so God blessed him with much.
To the modern-day reader, Nehemiah's "much," may not exactly seem like much, as his reward for his faithfulness to God and good stewardship did not result in a raise. His obedience did, however, take him places. It took him all the way back to Jerusalem where he not only helped build a wall, but lead and initiated the entire project with absolutely no knowledge of landscaping or building. Yet Nehemiah didn't go into the project stressing about how unqualified (by human standards) he was for the task, because his mind was not focused on human things, but on God and His work. He was too devoted to see any possible barriers to what he was about to do for God.
Heart Condition
Jerusalem was important to God, so the city was important to Nehemiah.
Imagine how different the world would be if every believer had a heart for God's work like Nehemiah did. Imagine the healing and restoration the Church could bring to the surrounding world if it grieved for disaster, for injustice, for tragedy as God does when He sees these things occur. There'd be an overflowing of love and unity, so much so that people would not simply be restored physically, but hearts would be made whole and softened to the call of a Loving Creator.
When I read the story of Nehemiah, I'm encouraged to walk in obedience and take action. There is an entire world at our fingertips and it's in shambles. God called Nehemiah to go rebuild a fallen Jerusalem, but He's also called us to mend the broken hearts and shattered lives of those around us.
Whether you're a college student like myself or in a position of power, God can use you to make a mighty difference for the Kingdom. Take your portion seriously and let Him do the rest. If you put God and His work first, He will surely take you places.
