Take a Risk

Scripture: Neh 2:1-5 (NIV) 1 In the month of Nisan in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was brought for him, I took the wine and gave it to the king. I had not been sad in his presence before; 2 so the king asked me, "Why does your face look so sad when you are not ill? This can be nothing but sadness of heart." I was very much afraid, 3 but I said to the king, "May the king live forever! Why should my face not look sad when the city where my fathers are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?" 4 The king said to me, "What is it you want?" Then I prayed to the God of heaven, 5 and I answered the king, "If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my fathers are buried so that I can rebuild it."

Background: Nehemiah was the cup bearer to the King. This was a position of trust, for one of the easiest ways to dispose of a King in the ancient world was to poison him. At this time in world history--the Persian Empire was second to none and the word of the King was absolute. It was in the court of the most powerful man in the world that Nehemiah made a request to rebuild the city of Jerusalem. This is a remarkable request when you consider that the inhabitants of Jerusalem would have been considered former enemies of the Persian Kingdom.

Observations: Are you willing to take a risk? Sometimes, in order to accomplish something important we have to take a risk. Unlike Nehemiah, our lives are not usually on the line when we take a risk; however we do face the possibility of rejection and the fear of rejection is too often the deterrent that keeps us from trying. But, what if taking a risk is necessary?

When it comes to our Christian values we often talk about the role of encouragement. "Encouragement" is literally speaking words that build up the courage that is resident in our hearts. Courage is necessary if we are going to take a risk. Courage takes a look at risk with a huge dose of hope; therefore, we step out of our comfort zone and put ourselves in harm's way, because we are hoping to accomplish something that could not have been done without some risk.

In Nehemiah's case, he risked his life to bring his request before the King of Persia and he was rewarded with favor.

Prayer: "Dear Father, You are the creator of heaven and earth, and all power, glory and honor belongs to You. You are the reason I have hope. You are the reason that I believe that all things are possible. You are the reason I can reach out beyond my comfort zone. Thank you for the gift of courage. In those times that I shy away from the leading of Your Spirit--bring a fresh wave of courage so that I can accomplish the works that You have prepared for me to do."

Do You Care?

Scripture: Neh 1:1-4 (NIV) 1 The words of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah: In the month of Kislev in the twentieth year, while I was in the citadel of Susa, 2 Hanani, one of my brothers, came from Judah with some other men, and I questioned them about the Jewish remnant that survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem. 3 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." 4 When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.

Background: The kingdom of Israel divided into two separate nations shortly after Solomon's death. This made both nations (Israel and Judah) vulnerable to their enemies, which were numerous. Eventually both Israel and Judah were conquered. The Babylonians completed the destruction of Jerusalem and the best of Israel's young generation were taken from their homeland to serve in the Babylonian Kingdom. Babylon was eventually swallowed up by the Persian Empire and the exiles of Israel served in that Kingdom. Under the direction of Ezra and Nehemiah, the exiles began to return home. They returned as a remnant of broken people--returning to a broken homeland.

Observations: When Nehemiah heard of the condition of Jerusalem--that the walls and gates were broken and burned, he felt something emotionally. Scripture states that he wept, and for several days he mourned and fasted.

In our time, the church (at least the church of America) has been called apathetic. Is it true? Why is it true? I think that perhaps we are too comfortable. When we hear of people living in the streets--when we hear of children starving on the other side of the world--when we hear of Christians facing persecution or that they are being martyred for their faith--or the thought that we live next to people that are without Christ--DO WE CARE? Do these things break our hearts? Do they cause us to mourn--to fast--to take action? In Nehemiah's case, he took action.

Prayer: "Dear Father, do what you must do to change my heart. I don't want my heart to be heartless when it comes to the things in life that are really important. I don't want to be apathetic, indifferent or inactive. I pray that Your cause will become my cause. Awaken Your church, and start with me this day. May my life be lived in such a way as to bring You glory."