The book of Nehemiah teaches us that God is faithful to accomplish his purposes even when all seems lost. In chapter one, Nehemiah receives news that the reconstruction project of the city and walls of Jerusalem is brought to an abrupt and violent halt. Without a city or walls, the people of Israel who’ve returned from exile are open to attack, and it seems as though the future of God’s people is in peril. How will God’s promises of bringing a Messiah out of the people of Israel come to pass if there is no more Israel? Nehemiah’s prayer teaches us what we need to know about ourselves and our God.
Seeing the Big Picture
Nehemiah 1
September 8, 2019 • Murray Lee
He's Coming. Get Ready!
February 16, 2020 • Murray Lee
If you were the author of Nehemiah, wouldn’t you want to end the story of great revival in chapter 12 and not 13? Chapter 12 is filled with the glorious revival of the people of God. And chapter 13 takes us back to cycles of sin. God, in his most wise counsel saw fit to include chapter 13, which makes us long for things to be made right: it makes us long for Jesus.
Joy: Taking off the Mask of Pretend to See Jesus
February 2, 2020 • Murray Lee
If the Christian’s proper response to God’s faithfulness is joy, how are we to be joyful? The people of Israel in Nehemiah 12 show us how we are to be joyful by painting one of the most beautiful worship services in all of Scripture. And in so doing tell us this very important truth that we must know: Joy is God-powered.
Not Just a List of Names
January 26, 2020 • Murray Lee
Nehemiah 11-12:27 is a long list of the names of people who repopulated Jerusalem. Since we believe that all Scripture is about Jesus, what do we learn from Nehemiah 11? God was faithful to fulfill his promises to bring an earthly people into the city of Jerusalem. He will one day show how this is a foretaste of his ultimate promise to bring a spiritual people into a holy city.