The Work Of Restoration By Nehemiah

THE WORK OF RESTORATION BY NEHEMIAH

OUTLINE

1. DESOLATION

2. DEVELOPMENT

3. DISTRACTION

4. DEVOTION

5. DELIVERANCE

THE MESSAGE

THE WORK OF RESTORATION BY NEHEMIAH

1. DESOLATION:

Nehemiah.1:3-11.

Here Nehemiah is concerned about the desolation of Jerusalem and cries out to God confessing the sins of the people and pleading for God’s mercy. It is important to acknowledge our failures and humble ourselves before God in order to bring hope and restoration.

2. DEVELOPMENT:

Nehemiah.2:1-20.

The Lord heard Nehemiah’s prayer and granted him favour with the king and now Nehemiah was given permission to go and rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. But there were a group of people who were against this effort and tried to mock and accuse Nehemiah. But Nehemiah was firm in his mission. Moreover he was also very careful in not revealing his plans to the enemies. The Lord expects us to be cautious when necessary.

3. DISTRACTION:

Nehemiah.4:1-9,10-23, 5:1,12,14,15.

There was distraction when Nehemiah started his effort. First there was mockery and threatening by the enemies. Secondly there was discouragement within Nehemiah’s workers who thought the work was too heavy and difficult. But Nehemiah encouraged and inspired the people and took all precautions necessary against the attacks of the enemy. Thirdly there was division with his workers. The poor accusing the rich of selfishness and cruelty. Nehemiah took a strong stand on behalf of the poor and commanded the rich to be merciful and generous. He himself led by example by living sacrificially.

4. DEVOTION:

Nehemiah.6:2,3. 6:6-8, 6:10,12.

Nehemiah and his people were devoted to their task while the enemies attacks continued. The enemies first tried to invite Nehemiah for a talk for some settlement. But Nehemiah firmly refused such offers as unnecessary and wasteful. Next the enemies tried to make false accusations against Nehemiah. Saying his motives were selfish. That he was trying make himself a king and thus rebel against him. That he was using prophets to influence the people to support him. But Nehemiah clearly replied that it was only a figment of their imagination. Finally the enemies used a cunning method by sending a false prophet to mislead Nehemiah. But Nehemiah quickly recognised that this was not of God and rejected the prophet’s advice.

5. DELIVERANCE :

Nehemiah 6: 15-16

But God was with Nehemiah and delivered him from all the viles of the enemies. Nehemiah accomplished his mission and fulfilled the work which God had entrusted to him.