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Nehemiah 1:3-4, They said to me, “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.” When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. 

The way that Nehemiah came to be a leader of his people was by the influence exerted on him by a fellow Jew named Hanani, who is mentioned at the beginning of this book.  Hanani came to Nehemiah with a report that the Jews in Jerusalem were struggling and experiencing great distress.  The year was 445 B.C.  By this point, it had been 90 years since Cyrus allowed the Jews to leave Babylon and begin to rebuild in Jerusalem and it had been 70 years since the completion of the temple.  The Persian Empire was at its height but the small Jewish community in Jerusalem was hurting badly; survival was precarious. 

Nehemiah was a faithful Jew who knew and studied the Law.  But he was also the cup bearer for the king.  He lived well.  He could have ignored the report from Hanani but he didn’t.  He was grieved by the distress of his fellow Jews and he decides to do something about it, regardless of the consequences.  He begins to pray and fast and trusts that God will provide both direction and provisions. 

He is grieved, he prays and fasts, and he trusts that God will show him the way.

How often are we deeply moved by something in the world – homelessness, human trafficking, the war in Ukraine, families in crisis, suicide – and we do nothing because we just aren’t sure what to do.  It’s complicated to care.  We spend a few moments distressed by the topic and we move on. 

What would have happened to the fledgling Jewish community in Jerusalem if Nehemiah had simply been distressed but then moved on?  History may have been different.  God used Nehemiah.

God wants to use us too.  He has called us to live out his mission in this world.  If God lays something on our heart, there is a reason for that.  He doesn’t want us to move on but to get moving, praying, fasting, and listening. 

What has God put on your heart?  Even if it’s a complicated problem, God can and will make a way. 

Let’s pray…God, Use us to expand your Kingdom.  Help us be light in a dark world.  Help us be the change agents you have called us to be.  We love you.  More of you and less of me.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.