This post is Day 3 in a series of studies about “Nehemiah”. I strongly suggest you begin with the introduction to this study, please click here to read it.

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Nehemiah – Day 3

The return of the exiles to their homeland had created wonderful images in the minds of those who were not a part of it. They thought that everyone had gone back to their family home and taken up their work as before. That would be the work of their fathers.

Nehemiah 1:4-6

When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of Heaven. Then I said: “Lord, the God of Heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant of love with those who love Him and keep His commandments, let Your ear be attentive and Your eyes open to hear the prayer Your servant is praying before You day and night for Your servants, the people of Israel.”

The Thought

Nehemiah’s first reaction to the bad news we read about yesterday was a very human one. He wept!! Nehemiah reacted just as many of us would today if we heard about tragedy in or near our homeland. Especially if we were living a long way away.

The return of the exiles to their homeland had created wonderful images in the minds of those who were not a part of it. They thought that everyone had gone back to their family home and taken up their work as before. That would be the work of their fathers or grandfathers.

Many Bible notes suggest the people were exiled for 70 years, but internet sources argue that. It is not important. What is important for us today is Nehemiah’s faithful example in his obedience and his prayers.

All he achieved in a short space of time, and his resistance to the enemy as well as his prayers are a lesson to us all. No-one could have imagined the devastation that they found. The people who had travelled hundreds of miles to go “home” were disappointed, angry and had no idea where to start.

Action

Praise God for the Nehemiah’s of our day. The people of prayer who hear from the Lord and are obedient.

Think of those you know who really do hear from God and encourage others to do the same. Praise God for those who have been influential in your own life.