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(ii) The Man And His Vision. |
Nehemiah's relative, Hanani, came to visit him with some news/ information of the CHALLENGE....
"Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The walls of Jerusalem are broken down and the gates have been burned with fire."
On hearing the news he was shocked and wept bitterly, wore mourning , fasted and prayed to God.
Group or Individual Activity: List out the lessons and principles we learn from Nehemiah's response. How do we know God's calling for him was to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem ?
(a) Nehemiah Identified Himself With God's Work.
Many others also knew of the disastrous state of Jerusalem, but Nehemiah was the one who took it to heart, felt ashamed of the situation, and prepared to do something about it. This was a GOD-GIVEN BURDEN (not human pity over a needy situation).
Group or Individual Activity: Ask each person "Do you have the same passion for the things of God that Nehemiah did ? What challenge is burning in your heart ?
(b) Nehemiah Took The Situation To The Lord.
Nehemiah did not act on impulse; he took his anguish to the Lord. Kneeling, weeping, he prayed, and the Lord set his heart on fire with a great vision of rebuilding Jerusalem.
Group or individual Activity: Read Nehemiah 1:5-11, listing out all the things that strike you about this prayer. Ask each person 'Have you taken your
challenging vision to the Lord in this way ?
Go back and continue the lesson.