Nehemiah 2:16–18 ‘Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.”’ (v17)
It was once said that leadership is simply taking people from position A to position B. To achieve this you have to either explain to those you are leading how bad position A is or how much better position B will be.
Nehemiah, having scouted the walls of Jerusalem under cover of darkness and keeping it a secret from the Jewish people was now standing in front of the leaders, the priests, the nobles, officials and those in administration (v16) – all those who carried authority.
His call to action was simple. See how bad things are, our city is in ruins and the gates are burned with fire – position A.
Let us rebuild the walls and we will no longer be the laughing stock of others – position B. Nehemiah articulates the problem and the potential, while providing a simple solution to rebuild the walls.
How often we sit amongst our own ruins, disappointments, frustrations and do not know what to do. We have experienced loss and can’t seem to find a way forward.
We are stuck. But then there is the moment when an encouraging friend offers a thoughtful and loving nudge that maybe there is a way forward.
Maybe the solution is simple, even it is going to take a lot of work. There is a better future, where the ruins are rebuilt, the mess is in your rear view mirror and you will no longer be in disgrace.
A Prayer To Make:
‘Lord, thank You for those who have stood with me when I have been in my struggles. Help me to a friend who sticks closer than a brother when others face trials of many kinds. Amen.’
An Action To Take:
Do you know someone who is in ‘ruins’? Could you send a card, make a phone call or pay a visit? Could you be the Nehemiah who gently calls a friend to action?
Scripture To Consider:
Ps. 127:1; Isa. 60:1–3; 1 Thess. 5:11; Jas 1:2–4
