Rebuild Those Walls (How Can I Help?)

One Year Bible (Aug. 11)

Nehemiah: 1:1-3:14

Rebuild Those Walls (How Can I Help?)

There is a medical TV series that features an entirely new kind of medical director. This guy seems to break all the bureaucratic rules to help the system and his patients. In fact, he goes out of his way to help even those that are not his patients and have no way to pay. Although he is the director of one of the oldest public hospitals in the country he brings a new refreshing demeanor and style. He doesn’t go by any fancy title either. Everyone in the hospital just calls him, Max. When faced with any crisis his very first words are, “How can I help?”

How refreshing is that coming out of the mouth of someone who is very important yet chooses to serve in humility?

Today’s message features the memoirs of Nehemiah who is serving in the Persian royal court as the personal cup-bearer to King Artaxerxes. Does this mean that Nehemiah does all the Starbucks runs for the King? Ummm, I doubt that! Although, if there was such a place during that time, Nehemiah would have taste-tested the drink before the king could touch it! A cup-bearer was historically an officer of high rank in the royal courts whose duty it was to pour the drinks at the royal table. But, it was much more than that. He was kind of like the Secret Service with floaty drinks. He must be regarded as thoroughly trustworthy to hold this position.

One day Nehemiah was very distraught while serving the king his wine. The king had never observed Nehemiah looking so sad before and showed genuine concern for him.

Here is what the King said to his cup-bearer, “Why are you looking so sad? You don’t look sick to me. You must be deeply troubled.” (Nehemiah 2:2)

Nehemiah responded to the King’s concern, “Long live the king! How can I not be sad? For the city where my ancestors are buried is in ruins, and the gates have been destroyed by fire.” (2:3)

Here it comes. Wait for it… “Well, how can I help you?” (2:4)

Can you fathom the king stopping to ask a question like this?

Wow! This is better than any television moment…

Listen to Nehemiah’s bold response, “With a prayer to the God of heaven, I replied, ‘If it pleases the king, and if you are pleased with me, your servant, send me to Judah to rebuild the city where my ancestors are buried.” (2:5)

King A. asks how long he will be gone and when he will return. But then, how does he respond to Nehemiah’s request?

He does FAR MORE than Nehemiah ever asked for!! He sent a letter with him for safe passage, army officers, and horsemen to protect him.

Why would the king do all of this for Nehemiah and for the exiled remnant?

“And the king granted these requests because the gracious hand of God was on me.” (2:8)

Can you fathom that God had caused the king of the land to provide all the help needed?

Sometimes God provides for us as well, but then at the first sign of trouble, we start doubting.

We might want to take close notice of what happened next, “But…When “Sanballat The Sandbagger” and “Tobiah the Troublemaker” heard of my arrival, they were very displeased that someone had come to help the people of Israel.” (2:10)

Did you get that part? They were upset that someone came “TO HELP”. It wasn’t really about Nebuchadnezzar at all. It was about the battle against the Temple and the establishment of the exile as God’s people. Notice, how it always starts with the little word, “BUT”.

Let’s stop and think about how this applies to us today. I have never seen God’s church ever move ahead to rebuild in the direction that it should go without a “Sandbagger” and a “Troublemaker” showing up. NEVER! You can count on it!

They will provide a million little reasons of all shapes, sizes, and varieties but we need to ask ourselves, “What is the real reason?” These Antagonists were upset that someone came “TO HELP” the kingdom grow. By definition, they oppose or stand against something.

When you see someone gossiping, slandering, sandbagging, and troublemaking ask yourself one little question… “Are those people there to tear down or REBUILD THE WALL?”

In everyday life, we meet people every day that are either “Challenging” or “Facing Challenges”. Sometimes they are a combination of both categories.

What do we do with challenging people or people that are facing challenges?

Perhaps, we can learn a lot from the wise king in today’s story and our very first question can be, “How can I help?”