Nehemiah's Burden
Nehemiah 1:2 says, “That Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and certain men of Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem.”
As “the king’s cupbearer” (v. 11), Nehemiah’s job was to taste all the food before it got to the king to ensure that they were not poisoned. He was one of the king’s most trusted men. He lived a life of prosperity and peace! That good life was shattered when his brother, Hanani, visited him to bring news that “the Jews that had escaped” from their captivity were being afflicted by their enemies and that the city of Jerusalem was in shambles (v. 3).
As soon as Nehemiah heard this awful news, he “sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven” (v. 4). Often, God would shake us up when we become too complacent (Amos 6:1). He knows how to get our hearts and minds focused on His plans for us (Gen 50:20). Nehemiah’s concern about his fellow brethren, which drove him down to his knees in prayers, was a sure sign that God was at work to burden his heart (Ps 34:19). The Lord’s desire to restore Jerusalem meant that He also needed a man to fulfill it.
The burden placed upon Nehemiah was all part of His plan (Prov 19:21)! When God stirs us up so we can get involved with Him, we can either respond in submission to His invitation, just like Isaiah when he said, “here am I; send me” (Isa 6:8), or we can try to run away like Jonah when he fled “unto Tarshish” (Jonah 1:3). Still, some are like Moses, who gave all kinds of excuses to God (Ex 4:10). Regardless of our response, God will surely get everything done according to His way and “in His time” (Ecc 3:11). We should never hesitate to obey when God places a burden in our hearts by getting our attention (Jms 1:3). It is always a great privilege to be part of His plans! God bless you!
- Pastor Melito Barrera
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