This past Sunday we began a new sermon series at Logos Community on Nehemiah titled "For The City" and it was great! In another post, I mentioned how Nehemiah is one of my favorite books in the Bible because it's a book that can teach us a lot about gospel-centered leadership. We unpacked the first 4 verses of the book and a lot of historical content in order to better understand not only Nehemiah's context, but the news he was receiving.

In the initial verses of Nehemiah, we learn a little bit about his job and background and come to find out that he's a pretty faithful dude. He works in the capital city of Susa at the king's palace and has a high risk-high reward job. The encouragement that we discover is that many ask about God's will and what it is for their life. Here, we can look to Nehemiah as an example: be faithful and serve right where God has you. That's the answer and I know many reading this want it to be more specific and elaborate, but it doesn't work that way. I don't think Nehemiah knew that his life was about to change before hearing the news about Jerusalem, but he was faithful to where he was at and doing.

Later, after the news his brother, Hanani, brings about the destruction of the walls and city of Jerusalem, we learn that these events actually happened 141 years prior to Nehemiah receiving this information. In other words, the destruction of the city was more than likely widely known, especially by Nehemiah. So, what caused him to fast and pray for days (1:4)?

I believe that upon hearing the news about Jerusalem, God gave Nehemiah a new perspective. That is, He transformed Nehemiah's heart to where the news couldn't be accepted anymore. If there is news about something devastating that happened over 140 years ago and nothing has been done, I would safely assume that many believed "that's just how it is." But for Nehemiah. We see that his heart is utterly broken and his response to the news is not only emotional but biblical. Nehemiah's response is greatly connected to his relationship with the Lord. Because we see that he fasts and prays (and as we look further this week), we see that Nehemiah is a man whose trust is in God and His word. Nehemiah does not simply understand what has happened, but is moved to action.

"One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also in much." (Luke 16:10)

Nehemiah was a faithful servant to the king, but more importantly to God. I think his work and response are evidence of that. And the hard truth that we should walk away with is that many would rather complain than get dirty. If you wish to know God's will then serve right where he has you. And if you wish to pursue humility, be ready to respond when He transforms you heart for the uncomfortable.

Below are some quick resources if you're looking to dig a little more through our time in Nehemiah. Additionally, the video for this week's sermon is also attached. Thanks for the support!

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