Nehemiah 1:1–4 (NLT) 1 These are the memoirs of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah. In late autumn, in the month of Kislev, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes’ reign, I was at the fortress of Susa. 2 Hanani, one of my brothers, came to visit me with some other men who had just arrived from Judah. I asked them about the Jews who had returned there from captivity and about how things were going in Jerusalem. 3 They said to me, “Things are not going well for those who returned to the province of Judah. They are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem has been torn down, and the gates have been destroyed by fire.” 4 When I heard this, I sat down and wept. In fact, for days I mourned, fasted, and prayed to the God of heaven.
Big things swing on little hinges.
A simple question was the start of something life-altering. vs 2.
"How is Jerusalem?"
Information brings revelation.
God uses many ways to bring revelation to us.
Sometimes it is in the Word of God, sometimes He speaks directly to us and many times it is in the day-to-day interaction with people. If we are sensitive and listening we will hear God speaking.
Revelation brings obligation. Obligation leads to action
The response to the answer to his question is deep sorrow over the state of God's people.
In that moment of revelation, God often gives us a vision.
Compelling vision many times starts with heartbreak. Something that makes us pound the table, weep, and declare…"Someone should do something about this!"
What is your vision from God?
When God entrusts you with a vision - cultivate it. They are precious and need to be nurtured and nourished.
Revelation is half the battle. When we find out about something then we are responsible for that knowledge.
We can’t be asking God for revelation without doing something about it.
What are we doing with the revelation that God has given to us?
Nehemiah sat down and cried. He refused to eat and spent the time in prayer. He didn't let his comfortable life in the palace be a distraction and hindrance from doing God's work.
Prayer is the best first action
Nehemiah stands in the gap for the people of Israel.
The first response was prayer. Not to get up and go but to get down and pray.
The nature of the prayer:
Starts with a broken heart, followed by fasting.
Spoke to God's nature of love, faithfulness and grace. vs 5
Confession and Repentance
He asks for forgiveness. He throws Himself at the mercy of God.
I am sure that others had done that as well but this was God’s timing.
Rehearsed the promises of God. (reminded God of his promises)
Petitioned God
Good leaders take personal action to address what God has placed in their hearts.
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