Nehemiah's Evaluation and Presentation

We will come right back to Saturday in the Psalms after we finish Nehemiah.

Nehemiah 2:11-20 (NLT)

11 So I arrived in Jerusalem. Three days later, 12 I slipped out during the night, taking only a few others with me. I had not told anyone about the plans God had put in my heart for Jerusalem. We took no pack animals with us except the donkey I was riding. 13 After dark I went out through the Valley Gate, past the Jackal’s Well, and over to the Dung Gate to inspect the broken walls and burned gates. 14 Then I went to the Fountain Gate and to the King’s Pool, but my donkey couldn’t get through the rubble. 15 So, though it was still dark, I went up the Kidron Valley instead, inspecting the wall before I turned back and entered again at the Valley Gate.16 The city officials did not know I had been out there or what I was doing, for I had not yet said anything to anyone about my plans. I had not yet spoken to the Jewish leaders—the priests, the nobles, the officials, or anyone else in the administration. 17 But now I said to them, “You know very well what trouble we are in. Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire. Let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem and end this disgrace!” 18 Then I told them about how the gracious hand of God had been on me, and about my conversation with the king.They replied at once, “Yes, let’s rebuild the wall!” So they began the good work.19 But when Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem the Arab heard of our plan, they scoffed contemptuously. “What are you doing? Are you rebelling against the king?” they asked.20 I replied, “The God of heaven will help us succeed. We, his servants, will start rebuilding this wall. But you have no share, legal right, or historic claim in Jerusalem.”

Nehemiah set out with the king's permission, letters requesting safe passage, and instructions allowing him to cut all the timber he needed for the project. Three days later, he arrived in Jerusalem escorted by army officers and horsemen. At first, Nehemiah treated his mission as a low key operation slipping out alone in the night to assess the situation. We pick up with him, when he finally was ready to approach the Jews and tell them why he came. Notice how carefully he addressed them..."what trouble WE are in"..."let US rebuild." He also explained how the Lord's hand had been with him thus far. The people were eager to begin the project of rebuilding the wall.
This guy is so impressive. He did not show up and tell them what he thought THEY ought to do. He stepped into the situation and met them right where they were. It wasn't as though the Jews did not already know the wall was destroyed. They just needed someone to take the lead, provide some resources and get them going. Let me apologize right off if what I am about to say offends... Friends, we need to be careful when it comes to deciding what the Lord wants others to do. We don't need to play the prophet if we aren't willing to get involved in the project and get our own hands dirty. Now, let's turn this around and make it positive. What has God been showing you that needs to be done? How has God equipped you to do it? If you have the vision and the resources...well, you are probably the one to get-r-done! And you know what? You are the one who will receive the blessing!