Strengthening:
Call to Rise:
If you skipped today’s scripture and jumped right into the Call to Rise, you’ll want to rethink that plan. Today’s scripture is full of context that is relevant to understanding Nehemiah’s journey and to being equipped for our own.
What’s going on here?
In the Month of Nisan
From the time that Nehemiah first learned of Jerusalem’s distress till the time described in today’s scripture reading, four months had passed. During that time Nehemiah had been mourning, fasting and praying before the God of Heaven. To our merely human nature, that might seem like a giant waste of time. On the contrary, when we filter our view through the wisdom of God, we can acknowledge that Nehemiah’s actions during those four months laid the spiritual foundation upon which the physical wall of Jerusalem would be built.
The Queen Sitting Beside Him
This portion of scripture also notes that the queen was present for the occasion. Since Persian queens and concubines did not attend public banquets, we know this must have been a private meal. According to some commentators, the queen may have given additional favor to Nehemiah’s request.
Now I Had Not Been Sad in His Presence
Scripture tells us that on this day in the month of Nisan, Nehemiah was sad in the presence of King Artaxerxes for the first time. This is significant because in the Persian culture, it was considered ungrateful to show signs of sorrow in the presence of the king. Nehemiah was a professional who would not have wanted to offend his lord; on principle, and for his own safety. It’s likely that his unveiled sadness was not a ploy to get the king’s attention but rather an indication that his grief was so pervasive he could not conceal it despite his best efforts. Nehemiah’s concern for Jerusalem was so intense and authentic that it was written all over his face.
Knowing this, you can understand why Nehemiah was “very much afraid” when the king inquired about the sadness he was displaying. In addition to the offense of displaying sadness in the king’s presence, an honest answer to the question held further potential to be offensive to the king. Jerusalem’s state was ultimately Artaxerxes’ responsibility, and the idea of rebuilding the wall of a conquered city state could be seen as an affront to the king’s sovereignty. This combination could make the consequence of Nehemiah’s response improper at best, but deadly at worst.
And the King Said to Me
In the midst of his legitimate fear, Nehemiah, a man of integrity, remained honest and he relied on the Lord. This was a counter-cultural move; conventional wisdom would never have advised him to give an honest answer! And yet, look what the Lord did with Nehemiah’s courageous, honest reply!
Instead of shrinking back when he encountered danger, Nehemiah courageously asked for something so massive it was almost absurd. He clearly had spent the last four months engaged with the God who loves to do exceedingly, abundantly more than we could ever ask, think or imagine! (Ephesians 3:20) Nehemiah found favor with the king, and his extravagant request was granted.
Just as He was then, God is in the business of making a way for the work of the Kingdom to advance, even when it requires extravagant favor.
What Do We Do Now?
There are so many great things we can apply from Nehemiah’s experience to our present day.
Be True
America is starved for truth, authenticity and real wisdom.
Starved.
According to a survey conducted by Social Media Today, “86% of people say authenticity is important when deciding what brands they like and support.”
Check out this sad but accurate commentary from Forbes Magazine:
“Authenticity is now important because it is part of the ultimate search in life, the search for meaning and belonging. What’s new here is that the traditional sources of meaning in our culture, close and extended families and established religions, have lost their pull on younger consumers. As a result, consumers are searching for meaning in places that historically had no meaning, including consumer products.”
Did you catch that? Authenticity is at the forefront of marketing right now, because, after having lost their interest in “close and extended families and established religions,” Americans are desperate to find meaning in life, even to the point of searching for it on Amazon.
Even in a dangerous sociopolitical situation, Nehemiah was authentic and true in the way he responded to the king. Likewise, God is calling you to be authentic and true in social situations that might feel contentious at the onset.
What in the world does it mean to be “authentic” anyway? Authentic people have consistent character. Who they are and how they behave is based on their values, not their circumstances.
Authentic people can consistently behave based on their values because they know exactly what they value. They are grounded in a stable identity, and in the case of a Believer, that identity is rooted in who God says they are. And in an era where gender, sexuality and truth are considered fluid, a person with a stable identity is appealing and refreshing.
Because authentic people have an assurance of who they are, they can be transparent about what they do and think. When questioned, they point to their identity and values as an explanation. When they miss the mark, they are comfortable being honest about it because they know that difficulties and mistakes are a thing they are going through, not a thing that defines their identity. Those who are vulnerable and victorious are attractive to those who are struggling with life. People want to know that they can overcome their struggles, that there is hope on the other side. A person with Biblical authenticity provides that beacon of hope because they don’t work to conceal their difficulties, but instead, they walk through them with peace and hope to eventual victory.
So, be authentic. When your neighbor asks about the hope you have, be prepared to give a transparent answer (1 Peter 3:15). When your co-worker expresses a need or asks for advice, share the word of God with them without shame. When your customer needs hope, pray for them, right then and there. Live authentically and people will be drawn to you because you have what they want: purpose. Who knows; this kind of draw may have impacted Artaxerxes’ decision to grant Nehemiah’s request!
You will likely find yourself in a social situation where your Kingdom work requires you to be authentic about God’s ways in a setting where talking about God, scripture or faith is frowned upon or forbidden. Has this happened before? Have you ever given a watered-down explanation that intentionally didn’t include Jesus or scripture because you were afraid an authentic expression of your faith would be too awkward or offensive?
Me too.
Thank goodness Nehemiah didn’t bow to social norms and fear, but instead remained authentic and gave Artaxerxes a true answer. God can empower us to do the same.
Be Brave
The most frequently given command in the Bible is “do not be afraid” or some variation of it. God knows that it’s hard for us humans to be fearless.
If you can’t be fearless, be faithful in the face of fear.
Did you ever notice that oftentimes when God commands us to not be afraid, He immediately reminds us that He is with, for and working through us?
- Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. [Joshua 1:9]
- That night the Lord appeared to him and said, “I am the God of your father Abraham. Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bless you and will increase the number of your descendants for the sake of my servant Abraham.” [Genesis 26:24]
- When you go to war against your enemies and see horses and chariots and an army greater than yours, do not be afraid of them, because the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt, will be with you. [Deuteronomy 20:1]
- But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” [Matthew 14:27]
- So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? [Hebrews 13:6]
How fitting that relationship with God is the Lord’s antidote to fear because “perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:18).
Nehemiah himself illustrates this: He was rightfully afraid for his life and career when Artaxerxes confronted him about being sad in the king’s presence, even more so when the king pressed him to make a request. His response was to call out to God for help. In the midst of his fear, He deliberately chose to rely on the fearless One.
If you struggle with fear while being true to the God of Heaven – fear of ridicule, lost relationships, career penalties, being ostracized, or even harm or death – you are not alone. Sarah, Moses, Gideon, Daniel, Elijah, the Apostle John, Mary, Nehemiah and many others faced the same. Thank God that these courageous men and women remained faithful in the face of fear. Look at what God did when they remained true and brave!
What might God do in our nation when you are brave and true?
Prayer:
Father God, help me to be authentic and courageous. May my values be anchored to Your truth and my identity rooted in who You say I am. When I am afraid, surround and fill me with Your perfect love. I will not be afraid, nor discouraged, because You are with me wherever I go. If You are for me, who can be against me? I trust You. Help me to be bold and to fearlessly proclaim Your gospel of hope to those around me who are desperate for Your love, peace and life-changing power. In Jesus name. Amen.
Build Assignments:
- Create a list of culture and Kingdom leaders who are taking a public stand for truth.
- Ask God to show you one way to support one of those leaders – then do it!