Nehemiah 2 – Nehemiah's inspired plea to the king and his initial work to inspect and plan the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls.
Here is your daily Come Follow Me devotional for Ammon Hasson.
1. Scripture Reference(s) and Link(s):
Nehemiah 2:1–20: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/neh/2?lang=eng
2. Historical and Narrative Context:
Following the return of many Jews from Babylonian captivity and the rebuilding of the temple under Zerubbabel and Ezra, Jerusalem's walls remained in ruins, leaving the city vulnerable and its inhabitants distressed. Nehemiah, a faithful Jew serving as cupbearer to King Artaxerxes of Persia, learned of this desolation and was deeply saddened, praying to God for help. In Nehemiah 2, the king observes Nehemiah's sorrow and inquires about it, prompting Nehemiah to courageously request permission and resources to return to Jerusalem and rebuild its walls. The king grants his request, providing letters and timber, and Nehemiah travels to Jerusalem, where he secretly inspects the city's broken walls before rallying the people to begin the monumental task.
3. Reflective Questions:
* Nehemiah prayed for several months before approaching the king (see Nehemiah 1:1–4 and 2:1). How does Nehemiah's patient preparation and reliance on God's timing and influence, even on a king, inspire you to seek divine guidance in your own important endeavors?
* Upon arriving in Jerusalem, Nehemiah first surveyed the damage in secret and then boldly declared, "The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build" (Nehemiah 2:20). What can we learn from Nehemiah's example of careful planning combined with unwavering faith in God's power to accomplish His work?
4. Closing Tying Insight:
Nehemiah's inspired journey from grieving over Jerusalem's desolation to securing royal permission and beginning the rebuilding of its walls demonstrates how the Lord prepares hearts and opens doors for His great work to progress. His example teaches us that seeking divine inspiration, combining it with diligent planning, and then acting with faith, even in the face of anticipated opposition, empowers us to move forward in our own callings and personal righteous endeavors. Today, let us focus on prayerfully discerning opportunities to serve God and others, then courageously acting on those promptings with trust in His enabling power.