Brian Fisher
Grace Bible Church
“Big God, Bold Faith”
Nehemiah 2:1-8
Nehemiah patiently waited and prayed for four months. When opportunity arose, although the risk was great and he feared for his life, he made his request with boldness. Patient prayer resulted in courageous action. As a result of God's favor, the king granted Nehemiah's request.
Courage is not the absence of fear. It is not courage if there is no cause for fear.
I would define true courage to be a perfect sensibility of the measure of danger, and a mental willingness to endure it.
—W.T. Sherman.
Nehemiah exercised great courage.
He had a profound understanding of the greatness of his God.
Nehemiah lived in times when God’s sovereign intervention was evident.
Specific, patient prayer creates courageous faith.
You and I will be called upon by God to exercise courage in the face of fear. To stand for Christ against opposition; to share the truth of Christ and face rejection; to give when we feel like we have nothing left to give.
In the moment of truth, will we act courageously? Only if we have an understanding of God like Nehemiah’s.
I. Nehemiah’s God Was Sovereign over the affairs of men
Sovereignty: God has the MIGHT and the RIGHT to do anything He chooses.
Jer. 32:17, 27 – is anything too difficult for me
Potter/Clay – Is. 29:15-16; 45:9; 44:28-45:7, 11-13
God predicted and promised regathering nation – Cyrus’ decree
God predicted reconstruction of the city – Dan. 9:25 (95 years earlier, 538 B.C.)
Artaxerxes decree in March 5, 444 B.C.
The best was yet to come – 70 weeks of Daniel
7 ”sevens” (49 years); period of rebuilding; 52 days for wall, but years for removal of debris, housing streets, trench
62 “sevens” (434 years); silence
1 “seven” (seven years)
70 7-year periods = 490 years
483 (last 7 year period yet to come) x 360 (lunar year) = 173,880
March 5, 444 BC + 173,880 = March 30, AD 33 (date of Triumphal Entry)
|
Daniel’s Vision |
Decree to Rebuild |
|
Messiah Cut Off |
|
~538 BC |
? |
+ |
69 “weeks” |
|
~538 BC |
March 5, 444 BC |
+ |
173,880 Days |
|
~538 BC |
March 5, 444 BC |
|
March 30, AD 33 |
Artaxerxes decree began the clock on the greatest event in human history.
Illustrates Proverbs 21:1; King’s heart is like channels of water
Nehemiah knew the prophecy. Could this be the day?
His God was sovereign. So why did Nehemiah bother to act if God is sovereign?
Is God sovereign or is man responsible? YES.
Romans 9; 10; 11
God is sovereign; He includes man in His sovereign plan; being made in the image of God means delegated sovereignty
Acts 2:23; you crucified according to God’s predetermined plan
Phil. 2:12-13; Work out your salvation…
Nehemiah could act with courage because he understood the sovereignty of God.
II. Nehemiah embraced his responsibility
A. Acknowledged God’s sovereignty; Neh. 2:8, 18
Puts ball in king’s court a 2nd time; 2:3
Initiative without prayer is pride and presumption.
B. Exercised Wisdom
Didn’t rush into king’s presence
Used respectful words – Neh. 2:3, 5, 7
Appropriate terminology; Persians revered ancestors and graves sacred
Requested protection – 2:7
Ezra 8:22-23
Earlier effort failed because of official opposition; learned from history
Proverbs 26:4-5; answer a fool; do not answer a fool
C. Earned the right to serve
Nehemiah’s position – 1:11
Responsibilities – protect;
Tobit 1:22. “Now Ahikar was cupbearer, keeper of the signet, and in charge of administration of the accounts, for Esarhaddon had appointed him second to himself.”
Characteristics – understand language, culture, competent, faithful
Earned privilege; didn’t start as cupbearer
King trusted him; valued his service – 2:2
Not a priest or Levite; not from royal lineage; not a prophet;
Just a man who made full use of the opportunities God gave him.
How many years in the position before this opportunity came up?
D. Acted courageously – 2:2-3a
Reasons for fear:
1. Previous decree; Persian decrees considered unalterable; Dan. 6:9; Esther 1:19; 8:8; Artaxerxes first decree had an escape clause; Ezra 4:21
2. Not allowed to be sad in king’s presence. Don’t respect the privilege of being in king’s presence. Plotting against the king.
E. Planned carefully – 2:5-8
Definite time; letters
Research – knew the name of keeper of the king’s forest
Conclusion
When is it time to take action? When is it time to wait?
God will call each of us to exercise courageous faith in serving Him.