Nehemiah 1-3
Devotion by Telva Elwell (South Carolina)
When someone says, “Ask me if I care”, it is generally said in a sarcastic manner, leading us to believe that this individual does not care. “Why would I care about that?” (That situation does not affect me.) “What’s the point?” (Nothing is going to change.) “I have better things to be concerned about.” (My life is more important.) “My life is good, so why should I worry about someone else’s troubles?” (Let everyone take care of their own business.) I bet every one of us has said or thought these things at least once in our lives. I know I have, and sadly, I felt justified in feeling that way.
It was probably an ordinary day in the life of Nehemiah, if there was such a thing for Nehemiah. After all, he was the cupbearer for a powerful king. He stood in his presence every day, making sure his needs were all taken care of. It was a cushy job with a lot of perks and great benefits. Lucky Nehemiah, right? But along comes his dear brother, Hanani, to visit Nehemiah. It was good to see him, I am sure, but Nehemiah’s life was about to be upended in an unexpected way! Perhaps foolishly Nehemiah inquired about the Jews (his people) who had survived the exile and the condition of the city of Jerusalem, expecting good news or maybe a simple answer like, “Oh, things could be better” with a shrug of the shoulders. End of discussion. Instead, what he heard was, “The remnant there in the province who had survived the exile is in great trouble and shame. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are destroyed by fire.” (1:3). Was this Nehemiah’s problem? After all, it had happened a while ago and now Nehemiah had a great position with the King and lived 800 or more miles away from all of that. Kind of like, out of sight, out of mind. How easily, and perhaps justifiably, Nehemiah could have wished them the best and continued living his happy life. Who would have blamed him? We would have done the same. Right? Deep inside, Nehemiah might be thinking, “Why would I care about that?”
Instead, however, as soon as Nehemiah heard their words, he “sat down and wept and mourned for days and continued fasting and praying before the God of Heaven.” (vs 4) It is hard to deny the fact that Nehemiah was filled with sorrow and empathy. But does he really care? How far will this caring take him? What can he really do anyway, being that he is working for a powerful king in Persia many miles away from Jerusalem?
Nehemiah could not let it go. He had to do something. This is where it got tricky for Nehemiah. He could not just say, “I can’t do anything to help.” He could not just say, “My work in the palace is more important.” He had to do something. So, he went to the King to get his permission to take a leave of absence and to go to Jerusalem. That was the tricky part because the King had every right to refuse his request. Through the work of the Lord, however, the King granted him permission. Then, because he was ill-prepared to rebuild the wall of the city, he would have to figure out how to accomplish that, and how to lead the band of survivors in that task. Nehemiah was willing to leave the safety and comfort of the palace for living in a ruined city. He did so, without excuses as to why he could not build the wall and gates of Jerusalem, and he did it in 52 days because of his faith in the God of Heaven! He did it because he cared.
It is safe to say that we will never be faced with such a monumental task. Such a task comes seldom, and only to a man like Nehemiah. But we are faced with important tasks, nonetheless. People are hurting, they have needs, they need a gentle hand, a listening ear, they need someone to pray for them and with them, or maybe your church has a Sunday School class without a teacher.
We are not Nehemiah, but we can be like him.
We can care.
Reflection Questions
1. Are there times when it is okay to genuinely not care? Are caring and doing inseparable? Are there times when it is okay not to help? Does that mean you don’t care?
2. What are your first thoughts when you are asked to help with something important? Do you first think about all the reasons that would make you unable to help? Are all those reasons real or just excuses? Or do you first consider the ways/solutions that would make you able to help? Is prayer part of your process?
3. How would have things turned out if Nehemiah had decided he really didn’t care or simply did not want to help?
Seek Grow Love 