Those rebuilding the wall experience financial hardship during a time of famine. Nehemiah attributes the hardship to an economy where the wealthy prey on the poor. In this message, Bob proposes that an economy rooted in self-interest will always divide the people of God. But practices of sharing and generositiy can bring God's peace.
It only took 52 days to build the wall. Nehemiah relied on the power of God and the unity of the workers. Workers were merchants, goldsmith, politicians, and even a perfume maker. This church and city will be rebuilt when we focus less on our personal gifts and more on the mission that God has put in front of us.
Nehemiah's route back to Jerusalem was blessed by God and King Artexerxes. But it wasn't easy. No journey is. There are times in our lives when God says "Go" but obstacles make us rethink our calling. This message reminds us of our highest calling and the way that it motivates us to keep going even when things get difficult.
There is so much for us to learn from Nehemiah’s prayer for Jerusalem. Nehemiah affirmed promises made by God while also recognizing the human side of the covenant. Nehemiah confessed the sins of the system while also maintaining personal responsibility. Nehemiah prays boldly, as should we for our city and our country.