Dropping The Cup

If They Were Us Series

Nehemiah (Part One)

I am currently reading this book with goosebumps popping up on my arms.

For some reason, this book stayed safely hidden (to me) until now.

The description “repairer of the breach” hovers over me as I read this book.

Prophet Isaiah gives a clear picture of who a repairer is in Isaiah 58 and He speaks God’s mind on the same matter.

A repairer of the breach prays. They fast in a way that pleases God. They conduct and advocate for justice. They restore the patterns of victory in their lineage. A repairer brings back what has been scattered. They contend against the evil one. They win.

Nehemiah became this literally (through the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem) and spiritually (through enabling the restoration of Jerusalem as a central meeting point for worship of the One true God).

Dropping the cup

The year is around 444 BC in Persia. Nehemiah is the cupbearer of King Artaxerxes and Nehemiah is sad. He had just received news of the state of affairs of Jerusalem- the former beauty.

Nehemiah asks King Artaxerxes for permission to go and rebuild the wall.

The favour of God is with Nehemiah and he is given full permission to go ahead.

The Kicker

Crisis reveals your true nature and your default response to pressure reveals the status of your heart.

When Nehemiah received a report of the sorry state of affairs in Jerusalem, his heart sank with sorrow, yet what he did next shaped the future of future generations.

He went into his prayer closet and he prayed, “Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, (acknowledging the One True God) let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel (a persistent servant in prayer). I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s family, have committed against you. We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses (intercession and repentance). “Remember the instruction you gave your 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.’” (bringing God into remembrance of His own promises)

“They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great strength and your mighty hand. Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favour in the presence of this man (intercession on behalf of a people).”

For Such a Time as This

Nehemiah was not a cupbearer by chance.

A cup bearer had first-hand access to the King and was most trusted because they ensured the King would not be poisoned through drink (or food). He held a high position in the land.

Perhaps this was ordained because God knew that when He would stir Nehemiah up, he would act wisely upon his position in order to invite favour for the arduous task ahead.

God must have known Nehemiah’s heart. That Nehemiah would act according to His will for the Israelites, and maybe that is why Nehemiah was fit for the service needed on behalf of the future generations of Israel.

He was not just trusted by Ataxerxes but by God. The rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem was a hard task, open to attack from many enemies and needed a firm but sensitive leader. One who was keen on hearing God first and running to God first before executing their plans.

The sound of terror from troubled Israelites caused Nehemiah to run into his prayer closet. This pleased God and so His favour rested upon him for the journey ahead.

He did not use his position for selfish gain. He had the choice of hearing the desperation of the Israelites and sweeping it under the rug so that he would continue rising up the ranks. (Besides, it wasn’t him struggling, right?)

He knew his proximity to the king held power and so he used that for God’s glory.

A journey long prophesied hundreds of years prior to this moment found a willing vessel who was ready to move.

Questions

1. Where has God positioned you? How are you using the position you are at for God’s glory?

2. Do you shrink in fear and run at the first sign of trouble or do you run to God?

3. Are you willing to be the one who stands to “repair the breach” in your community, work-place, blood-line or relationships?