So, the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth of Elul, in fifty-two days. When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God. (Nehemiah 6:15-16, NIV 1984).
My Musings – Imagine returning to a home after a devastating fire, earthquake or flood. The personal heartbreak. Now imagine this on a national scale. “Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.” (Nehemiah 1:3, NIV 1984).
Nehemiah, who was cupbearer to the king, was devastated when he heard this report and could not hide his distress from the king. I imagine this was a position where one was expected to be seen but not heard. Certainly, where one could not normally unload their personal burdens on the head of state. But there he was. Placed by God in close proximity to the king who had the power to do something about it, but not able to petition him. But his downcast countenance betrayed him, prompting the king to make inquiries.
“I [Nehemiah] was very much afraid, but I said to the king, ‘May the king live forever! Why should my face not look sad when the city where my fathers are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?'” (Nehemiah 2:2-3, NIV 1984). The king was not beholden to do anything about it, but “because the gracious hand of [his] God was upon [him], the king granted [Nehemiah’s] requests…[to] send [him] to the city in Judah where [his] fathers [were] buried so that [he could] rebuild it.” (Nehemiah 2:8, 2:5b, NIV 1984).
This, in itself, did not guarantee success. But God “[Remembered] the instruction [He] gave [His] servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.'” (Nehemiah 1:8-9, NIV 1984).
My Advice – Even when things seem hopeless, God is at work behind the scenes, orchestrating events that are beyond our capability. So, “we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:28, 31, NIV 1984). If you are called, you are more than a cupbearer to this king. You are an heir.
Nehemiah asked, “if it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight.” (Nehemiah 2:5a, NIV 1984).
Finding favor – “I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2, NIV 1984).
Pleasing the King – “Seek his kingdom…[and] your Father [will be] pleased to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:31-32, NIV 1984).
So, “ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7-8, NIV 1984).
The Brew Is A Musing 