PRAYER AND PLAN

A man hears of his home—bad news—yet he is not there to change things.  What does he do?  Because he trusts God, he prays.  Because he has a job to do where he is, he cannot go but believing God is all powerful and cares, he prays to God.  But often when one prays, God also gives an opportunity to be used in other ways as well.  Nehemiah 2:1-10

Does God know the situation?  Does He care?  Can God change things?  Some of the questions we may have as hard situations of life arise.  And the answer is, “Yes.”  God does know—God does care—God CAN change things.  One reason hard things may arise is so that we might learn to trust God rather than ourselves.  Not the only reason, but one reason.  There are some situations only God can do.  But God also chooses to use people when our hearts are right and when we are on His agenda—His plan—His way rather than just ours.

In ch. 1, we found that Nehemiah heard of the city of Jerusalem being in ruins—and especially their city wall, despite people having returned from captivity for more than 10 years.  And Nehemiah was so concerned, he took His concerns to God.  Now in chapter 2, the setting is about 4 months later.  He had fasted and prayed for this situation for 4 months.  What have you prayed for and pleaded for with God for 4 months? 

But for Nehemiah, what happened over that time frame?  Apparently God showed him God’s plan—and that plan was to use Nehemiah as a leader to get the task of rebuilding the wall accomplished.

Last week, we said a wall represented protection for the people.  And it showed the greatness of God—that God was great enough, powerful enough, to rebuild it.  And we compared that to the state of a church—what does it say about God to others when a church is in disrepair, both physically and spiritually?  And how does a church provide spiritual protection when it works properly?

But the rebuilding of a wall also represented a group of people working together, and in their case, as well as the case of a church, people working together on God’s agenda—for God’s glory—with God’s purpose.

Nehemiah prays—not just one time—not just for a day or two or a week.  He prays for 4 months—and as he prays, God gradually reveals HIS plan—Nehemiah is to be used by God to lead the people to accomplish the task.  The more time we spend praying for something, the more God gradually reveals Himself and His purpose and plan to us.  If you have a heart for something, it will show up.  Not that serious or committed—you will give up praying.  Very serious about something—you not only do not give up—God gradually shows you ways YOU are part of His plan.

Nehemiah prayed—God revealed Himself to him—God revealed what needed to be done—and God revealed to Nehemiah that he was to be part of the solution to the problem in Jerusalem.  So now, in ch. 2, Nehemiah approaches his boss—the king—one who had stopped the building of the wall several years before.

When you are in the presence of the king—especially when the king is partying—you do not show sadness or do things that make the king sad or go against the king’s plans.  The focus is on the king.  But that is what Nehemiah did—because he had prayed and God had showed Nehemiah the plan.

The king asks him why he is sad, and what he wants.  And another prayer goes up—another prayer for success and courage to share the plan God wanted.

“I want to go to lead in the rebuilding of the wall in my home town.  I want letters of protection against enemies and those who might try to stop me or the work.  And I want you, king, to supply some of the building materials.”

WHOA!  A very bold request—it came out of 4 months of prayer—and it could only be given success because God inspired it and God continued to be involved in it.  It was all about God—not about Nehemiah.

You ever prayed that bold a prayer?  You ever been involved in that bold a plan?  Blackaby, Experiencing God, “when God asks something, He asks us to be involved in something that only God can accomplish.”  Because that shows the greatness of God—it is witness to God’s abilities—not man’s abilities.  It is a witness to the world and those with much less faith.  But that boldness—that courage—that plan comes from time spent in prayer, not from just the heart or mind of man.

Rebuilding a wall takes many people.  Rebuilding a church takes many people—not just a pastor or leader—not just the work of one or two people.  And the plan comes through prayer. 

Gradually, in prayer by individuals, the plan is revealed—the plan of God—not just the person or group.  The plan will require prayer, but the plan will also require boldness and courage, and more prayer.  And then there will come a time when God says, “The time to step out is NOW.”

Who here will pray?  Who will continue to pray?  And then when God gives the plan, who will step out on faith to work and serve and give and lead?  It’s easier just to sit back and let someone else do it—prayer and being committed to the plan and task.  It’s easier just to go somewhere else.  But does God call His people to easy things?

Or does God call HIS people to things that only HE can accomplish?

For God to change bad circumstances, it takes our prayer, and our commitment and our joining Him in what He wants to do—so that He will be glorified—and so it will point others to Him.  It’s not about us—it is about Him!

BE A BUILDER

Another tragedy has occurred--this time in Boston.  A sporting event--both competitive and personal--has been marred due to senseless evil.  But greater than a sporting event being marred--people have lost their lives and others have had lives changed forever here, due to wrong actions of people who do not care who is hurt or killed.  That is life in our nation and world today.

It is so easy for me to complain and see the bad.  It is so prevalent today and as I age, maybe I get more cynical about government, about the world and nation and directions we seem to be going, about things that it seems cannot be changed.

I am preaching/teaching through Nehemiah right now in the church where I am interim pastor.  It seems God has directed me to the book of Nehemiah for them, and I guess for me too.

In chapter 1, Nehemiah got word about the bad conditions of his home, though he no longer lived there.  And today, as I read chapter 2, some words stuck with me in his feelings, his thoughts, his request of his boss, the king of Persia.  "Why should not my face be sad , when the city (of Jerusalem--parenthesis mine) lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?" (ESV).  Then the king asks Nehemiah what he requests, and after prayer, Nehemiah says this, "... send me to Judah ...that I may rebuild it."

I have a choice.  I can continue to complain about all the bad issues of life, and there are many, or I can make some positive impact in changing the circumstances.  The easier thing is just to complain or say, "I can't do anything."  Or to ignore the situation.  And most of us will just take the easier way out.

Am I a builder or a tearer--a complainer or a difference maker?  I am one small little person--very insignificant in the large scheme of things.  I can't change things in Boston or New York or North Korea.  But I can make a positive impact with people with whom I come in contact.  One person at a time--one friendship at a time--with the Lord of all behind my efforts.

Interesting in chapter 1 what Nehemiah did first.  When he was touched deeply by the conditions, he first prayed.  He realized, "I cannot change the circumstances; only God can do that."  So he went to God for comfort, for change, for encouragement and direction.

I can't change Boston, but I can pray.  I can't change the heart of terrorists, but I can pray.

Or I could just continue to attend church, and worship God, and do what I do without letting things in the world affect me.  Or I could attend and just complain--a lot easier than getting involved with people.  But does God call His believers, His followers, to give up and just do that?  Don't ask me; you ask God.  I think you already know.

Get out of your shelter--even your church's shelter--and encounter the world.  Yes, you'll see lots you don't like.  Yes, you will find people who disagree with you.  But that's where the world will be changed, one person at a time, as you love them and listen to them and care for them, with the love God put in your heart.

All of us are capable of being terrorists--of doing evil things--of doing things we would never anticipate we would do.  The one that changes us and our life is God or the influence of godly people in our lives.  But all of us are capable also, through the leadership of God, to be builders rather than complainers or "'woe is me'ers."

Pray.  Seek the Lord's direction.  Listen to Him and then launch out when He says launch out.  Be a builder.  Be positive and get involved.  "What would Jesus do?"

What will you do?

FAST AND PRAY

Returning and restoring is hard work—and so often it is easier to give up than to do what is necessary.  But God wants us to seek Him to get our instructions.  That begins with a heart for Him and a heart for others as well. 

Nehemiah 1 

The Jews had been in captivity to Babylon for a number of years. The Babylonians had captured Jerusalem and brought many of the people into Babylon to live, work, and serve.  Some were left during the captivity in Israel, but not the leaders.  And during the 40 years or so, they had intermarried with other peoples who had come to live in Jerusalem and the land.   

Nehemiah hears from his brother about the condition of Jerusalem.  Since Jews had been allowed back in their land by Cyrus the Persian king, they had resettled Jerusalem, rebuilt homes among the rubble, and rebuilt their Temple, but much was left to do.  Their city wall was still down—thus no protection for invaders. 

Nehemiah hears and is deeply touched by the condition of Jerusalem and his people, the Jews.  How did it affect him?  He sat down and wept.  He felt the hurt, pain, weakness of his fellow Jews.  He did this for several days, but then he did more. 

He mourned, fasted, and prayed to God.  And one of his prayers we have recorded for us.  What does he say?

LORD, God of heaven

·         LORD, refers to that name of God—Yahweh, Jehovah—the God who Is.

·         God of heaven—God over all creation—creator, maker of all—even over enemy nations—Sovereign God

·         Great and awesome God—the One delivering Jews from slavery in Egypt—the One who kept His covenant or promises to His people

o   God’s part of the covenant was to bless His people—to keep His promises

o   Jews part was to love God and obey God

·         So He praises God

·         And he asks God to hear His request

 

We have acted wickedly toward You

·         He confesses the sin of His people

·         But he also connects himself and His family with disobeying God’s commands too—none of us are without sin

·         God kept His covenant with those who showed love by obeying Him, so’

·         To return to God’s blessing—confession of sin is a step in the right direction

 

God did what He told Moses He would do—God was true to his word—if Jews obeyed, they would be blessed—if they disobeyed, they would go into captivity 

God followed through on His punishment, but the other part of the promise was—if they returned to God—He would return them to His blessing and to their land. 

Now God had done that—allowing His people to return again to Israel and Jerusalem.  But there was still a lot of work to do. 

God had given Nehemiah a heart for the sad situation of His people and for Jerusalem.  God was now giving him a plan of how to carry it out. 

It was given as he had a heart for his people.  It happened as he prayed to God and confessed his sin.  It happened as he was open to obey what God said to do.  It happened as he continued to fast and pray—not just once—but over time—consistency in prayer and seeking God. 

Nehemiah what he was to ask of his boss, the king of Persia, would not be successful UNLESS the LORD intervened.  He would ask a king who had a few years back STOPPED the rebuilding of the wall around Jerusalem to allow him, Nehemiah, to go there to lead the people to rebuild their wall and their city. 

He was asking what only God could do—it would take God’s hand to change the mind and heart of the king. 

But God was Yahweh, maker of heaven and earth—King of every king on the earth. 

What do you see as you look today at your church—especially as you compare what WAS, with what IS now? 

What will the future bring?  Is the wall broken down? 

A wall represented protection for people.  A wall also represented the strength of the God behind those people.  Inability to rebuild that wall reflected on God Himself. 

The church being weak is as a weak wall.  It doesn’t give the protection for believers that it needs to provide.  But a weak church also reflects on our God—in the eyes of believers around and unbelievers as well.  Is God weak?  Can He not overcome the challenges?  Are the enemies too strong for Him? 

What is a first step in restoration?  To fast and pray—to be touched by the status of the church. 

And that causes more prayer. That causes us to reach out to the all-powerful God and believe that He can do anything. 

That causes looking into our lives to see how we have sinned and left His plan and His way.  How have we relied more on ourselves than we have God?  How have we settled for building homes and families but neglected to build God’s family and rebuild the walls of His Church? 

In that we confess.  In that we seek His plan for the future.  Only He can change the circumstances.  Will you pray?

LOVE--FEED MY SHEEP

God loves us—do we love Him? 

Jn 21:15-23 

Context—A third appearance of Jesus to his disciples after the resurrection.  Galilee—beside Sea of Galilee—disciples fishing.  Early morning—disciples fishing overnight—Jesus calls out to them about their catch—tells them again where to fish.  They have a large catch—then come in and Jesus has fire and food for them. 

Reinstatement of Simon Peter—Peter leader of the Apostles and the inner circle.  Important that Jesus feels Jesus’ forgiveness and is on same page as Jesus.  Would lead their ministry from this point on. 

Three times Peter denied—three times Jesus asks Peter whether he loves Jesus.  Interesting that Jesus uses different word for love than Peter uses.  Jesus word more committed word than Peter uses.  Has Peter learned a lesson about himself from the denial? 

Before crucifixion, Peter had said “Even though all fall away, I will never fall away.”  Discussion had gone on among disciples as to who was greatest of them and who deserved the most important places when Jesus came into His kingdom. 

Seems also some competition between Peter and John—even later here we may find that.

First time, Jesus asks, “Do you love me more than these?”  Could mean “do you love me more than the others love me,” or “Do you love me more than fishing or vocation,” or “Do you love me more than you love the other men with you?” 

Probably the first is best, “Do you love me more than the others love me.”  Wasn’t that much of Peter’s statements before—“Even if all fall away, I will never”?  Jesus, surely I love you more than the others do! 

“Do you love me—with a deeply committed love?”  Twice Jesus asks this.  Peter respond by saying, “I love you with the love of friend for friend.”  Less commitment than Jesus asked.

 

Last time, Jesus uses the word for friendly love in asking Peter, “Do you love me?”  Peter is perturbed that Jesus asked again, but responds again, “You know all things; you know that I love you.” 

Jesus response to Peter’s response, “I love you” is “Feed my sheep, feed my lambs, take care of my sheep.”  So, Peter, if you really love me then serve those I love—those I died for—those who need a shepherd.  The Good Shepherd would be gone—Peter is now the leader in place of Jesus. 

What is Jesus’ saying?  Do what is best, not just for you, but for the others I love, if indeed you love me.  Sounds similar to the second great commandment, “Love you neighbor.” 

What does Jesus do here for Peter? 

1.      Jesus forgives—Jesus focused on Thomas in the previous chapter—now He focuses on forgiving Peter.  “Yes, you denied me three times, but I forgive you three times also.  Sin is atoned for—you are forgiven.”  What a great relief to Peter! 

2.      Jesus gives Peter  the primary position back—He had been in the first position—Jesus right-hand man before.  Would denial disqualify him from that place?  No, Jesus reinstates him to that place—God called and God overcame whatever was necessary for him to serve in that place. 

3.      Jesus also calls Peter to serve—If you truly love me, then serve others I love and others I died for.  Provide them with the things a shepherd would provide for the sheep he takes care of.  Think of them and their needs and provide what is necessary. 

4.      Jesus says to Peter, “follow me.”  The way to keep from denying Jesus—the key to staying in your position—the way to serve others effectively is what?  To follow Jesus.  Following Jesus is listening to Him and obeying Him and doing life His way. 

Interesting that Peter still struggles with this.  He hears of his own death, and asks “what about John”?  Jesus says to focus on himself because that is his concern.  Comparing himself with another is not to be his focus.  Comparison so often gets us in trouble, doesn’t it. 

Instead of comparison, just follow Jesus. 

You and I are also: 

1.      Forgiven

2.      Given a place in God’s kingdom

3.      Called to serve Jesus by serving others

4.      Called to follow Jesus above other people and other things in life. 

So according to this question, “Do you love me?”  What is your response? 

And are you living out of God’s purpose for you—a purpose to serve others and a purpose to follow Jesus above other things in life? 

The only one who disqualifies you for service is you.  Jesus is willing to forgive, to reinstate us, to give us a place to serve and a way to serve and people to serve.  And the way to do that is to “follow Jesus.”