2022: A Year of Peace and Restoration (Part Three)

—Nehemiah 2:18, 20 NASB

Rebuilding what is Broken

‘If it’s broken, fix it.’ In a nutshell, this was Nehemiah’s attitude. Nehemiah was the great rebuilder of Jerusalem’s walls and gates. Just like in Jerusalem at the time many things were broken, so today people, families and societies are broken and in need of rebuilding. In our fallen and hurting world, we need people who will take a look, put their heart in it and set their hands to work. There are so many needs that need to be met by a loving heart and caring hand. In the times of Jeremiah, the prophet, there was much suffering, desolation and mourning, but, worse, ‘no man lays it to heart’ (Jer 12:10). There was no person ‘moved with compassion,’ like Jesus was when He saw people ‘distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd’ (Mt 9:36; 14:14; cf., Mk 6:34; 8:2), that is, people without love and care in their despair and pain. What the suffering world around us needs is people who care and take action. We need more people that reflect the prayer of the medieval monk, Francis of Assisi:

‘Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace,

Where there is hatred, let me sow love,

Where there is injury, pardon;

Where there is doubt, faith;

Where there us despair, hope;

Where there is darkness, light;

And where there is sadness, joy.’

We need to rebuild what is broken with a heart of compassion, a mind to restore and a hand to work. Nehemiah showed us the way. Like in the Book of Ezra, the Book of Nehemiah offers several important principles we can apply to our own adventures of restoration, be it in our lives, our families, communities, or even our nations. But restoration requires us having the strength to face the tragedies of life or the failures of society and having the courage to confront them in order to rebuild and restore. The ancient prophecy still seeks those who ‘will rebuild the ancient ruins,’ who will raise up ‘the age-old foundations,’ and be ‘the restorer of the streets in which to dwell’ (Is 58:11–12). There are many ruins that need rebuilding and streets that need to be made safe for dwelling.

Restoration in Nehemiah

In order restore what is broken, several issues are important. As has been said, ‘complex problems require sophisticated solutions.’ Hence, we need to seek how to best help those in need. In doing so, we need to find a way, not an excuse. The first issue deals with our heart, from which flow the issues of life (see Prov 4:23; cf., Mt 12:34).

(1) The importance of genuine compassion

When Nehemiah heard about the condition of his fellow Jews living in Jerusalem and the condition of the city, he ‘sat down and wept and mourned for days’ (Neh 1:1–4). Many people don’t do anything about the suffering in this world due to indifference or ignorance. When an elderly man once asked a bunch of wild youth whether ignorance or indifference was the bigger problem, the answer was: we don’t know and we don’t care! How revealing…

‘The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing,’ are striking words (usually attributed to Edmund Burke). John Stuart Mill cautioned his listeners that ‘good men’ must not ‘look on and do nothing.’ Martin Luther King Jr was another towering figure of history who addressed the issue of indifference with a call to action. King urged people to stand up for that which is right, just and true. We cannot be silent about things that matter. What matters to you? What bothers you in this world? What is it that is not right, just and true and you wish to change? What is it that you can no longer do nothing about? Put your heart in it and your hand to work.

Nehemiah didn’t just mourn the tragedy of the situation, he turned to God in prayer (Neh 1:4b). Compassion can crush us, but prayer will strengthen us. Seek God’s guidance and power to get you ready for the situation you want to do something about. Crying with a broken heat over a sad situation is good, but at some stage we need to get up and tackle the issue to bring about change. Keep a soft heart, but approach the problems from a place of strength.

(2) The importance of repentant prayer

Nehemiah’s heartfelt and genuine prayer (Neh 1:5–11) reveals several important issues, including repentant prayer. He knew that Israel was in this mess due to the sins of the ancestors. But rather than complaining about them or blaming them, Nehemiah took it upon himself to ask God’s forgiveness and seek a new beginning. No victim mentality and excuses, but humility and talking of responsibility. We can’t change what we don’t admit and confront. He also took courage in God’s promise of restoration (v 9) and provision of strength (v 10). We must find a way, not an excuse.

Nehemiah was a man employed by a foreign king; he was a responsible man with position under authority, hence he needed permission for his rebuilding project abroad that God had laid on his heart. Asking God for wisdom in dealing with authorities was also part of his prayer (v 11).

(3) The importance of constructive negotiations

Prayer must lead to action. Prayer helped Nehemiah find wise words for constructive negotiations. The king saw Nehemiah’s ‘sadness of heart’ (2:2), to which the servant respectfully responded by sharing his heart sincerely (v 3). We must keep our proper posture when dealing with authorities, and speak honourably and genuinely. The king showed understanding to his request, but required a time frame for Nehemiah’s absence to rebuild the city (vv 4–6). We need to act responsibly towards the authorities over us and such supportive of our tasks. Nehemiah also sought legal protection for his journey and a provision of resources (vv 7–9). God’s favour, His ‘good hand,’ was with God’s man for the mission (v 8). We trust God for support and protection, as well as favour and success.

(4) The importance of proper assessment

Nehemiah came to Jerusalem (2:11) and started ‘inspecting’ the condition of the city and its walls (v 12–15). He made a proper assessment to plan his desired restoration. Although Nehemiah had already heard of the condition there (1:1–3), he had to see it for himself and make his own assessment (2:11–15). It’s crucial that we expose ourselves to the real needs we seek to meet. It’s not enough to just hear about it from far away; we must actually see it with our own eyes and feel it with our own soul. Such encounters with real situations of people’s sufferings can be life-changing and are necessary to have a right attitude towards the mission ahead.

It takes planning and structure to tackle a big task. As we stated above, ‘complex problems require sophisticated solutions.’ This was certainly true for Nehemiah, and it is true for our time. Gathering proper expertise and making a good action plan are vital for a structured approach to the problems we seek to solve. A good heart can take us a long way, but a good mind is also important—use both!

(5) The importance of personal preparation

Before we go public, we must be prepared in private. Often it takes years of preparation before we can make a real difference in a certain field. Careers are not achieved in a short time. It took years of training for Usain Bolt to run that fast when it really counted! Personal preparation is vital for public success. But it’s only those who are willing to pay the price in private that will achieve things in public.

As Christians, we cannot be before men in public what we are not first before God in private. This applies to prayer, giving alms or doing charity and any form of public performance (see Mt 6:5–18). Giving with one hand without the other hand knowing requires purity of motive, doing things for the right reasons. To put it in a modern contemporary context, don’t make a selfie with your right hand when you give alms to the poor with your left hand! Of course, charities need to show accountability for the money entrusted to them and we need evidence of spending for fundraising, yet there’s much we can do without letting everyone know and we certainly never need to show off!

Nehemiah set out at first by keeping God’s plans to himself (Neh 2:12, 16; cf., Mt 2:19). We must be wise with whom we share what we carry in our hearts. Sharing the right thing with the wrong people (or the wrong time, or wrong way) can get us into serious trouble—just ask Joseph! Both in his prayer and in making the assessment, Nehemiah was in a process of personal preparation before sharing the plans of God with the right people at the right time in the right way (2:17–18). Be wise—always.

(6) The importance of a motivated workforce

In sharing with the right people what God had put in his heart, Nehemiah was motivating the workforce: ‘Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem so that we will no longer be a reproach… Let us arise and build…The God of heaven will give us success; therefore we His servants will arise and build’ (2:17,18, 20). The task ahead cannot be done by one man; it takes a workforce—a motivated workforce!

It takes a leader and visionary to get the work going and get the plan into action, but it takes a team to get the job done. Casting the vision, sharing the vision, and inspiring the vision are vital to success. Nehemiah also gave them the practical reasons why this task was important and useful (v 17). In exemplary fashion, Nehemiah put down the opposition’s mockery (2:19) with evoking the authority behind his mission: the God of heaven (2:20). Make sure you know who is with you (workforce), who is against you (opposition) and who is behind you and above you (God). Once that is settle, work and don’t look back!

(7) The importance of a corporate action-plan

Motivation, vital as it is, is insufficient without a corporate action plan. People must not only feel good about what they’re about to do, they must also know what to do in practical and organised terms. Nehemiah’s leadership and vision-casting made others to rise to the challenge; others arose and started to build. Throughout Nehemiah chapter 3 we see this reaction of many different people working in different parts to complete the whole. Others will rise to the challenge as we pave the way. Leaders inspire others to action as they set the example and show the way. Each group did their part towards the common good. It takes individual contribution and corporate action; we all need to work together in a coordinated manner. The pioneering leader initiates the movement, which gathers momentum with a good team towards finishing the task. That’s team work of a motivated workforce. It took some serious opposition to temporarily stop the work, but they overcame that too. Let nothing stop you!

(8) The importance of dealing with opposition

Early on we read how opposition was building against Nehemiah’s mission (Neh 2:10). It reoccurred again at the early stage of his venture (v 19), only to hit them with full force during the work (Neh 4). Opposition is to be expected; it’s never nice and pleasant, and always comes at the wrong time, but it should not intimidate us. We do, however, need to deal properly with it, or we might put the work at risk. Don’t underestimate your opposition, but never allow it to paralyse or stop you. Here are a few things we can learn from Nehemiah when it comes to dealing with opposition.

Opposition comes from angry and jealous people and is often expressed in mocking (Neh 4:1). Such people will question our motives, challenge our identity, despise our abilities, undermine our quality and seek to destroy our stability (vv 2–3). Nehemiah responded in two ways: (1) in prayer (v 4) and by continuing the work (v 6). He turned to God for help and strength, and didn’t allow the attacks to divert or stop them. Keep doing the right thing; stay focused and stay on course; do what God has told you to do. Remember, the God of Heaven would give them success (2:20).

Opposition doesn’t go away, so learn to deal with it. When the second wave of attacks came (vv 7–8), Nehemiah again turned to God in prayer (v 9) and (3) they set up guards (v 9–13). You need to be wise in protecting what you have. Prayer led them to necessary action. Don’t be passive. They continued to work not only with tools to work, but also weapons to fight (v 16–23). They were responsible to guard what was theirs and what they had achieved thus far. A fourth strategy was (4) to speak courage in the face of fear (v 14). Nehemiah did that repeatedly. Confront fear by encouraging the workers, trusting God to intervene by frustrating the enemy’s plans (v 15). Nehemiah reminded the people about the One who was working with and for them, and regarding the ones they were fighting for (v 14). Trust God to protect you; continue to encourage people and keep on working; adjust to make provisions to guard yourself and the work while you stay focused on the work.

After this successful dealing with opposition, the next waves of attacks came, yet this time in a different way: the enemy used deception to trick Nehemiah into compromise and failure (Neh 6:1ff). Fortunately, (5) he was discerning enough for the scam to be exposed and the damage averted. In dealing with a stubborn enemy, whose sole aim is to destroy your work, you must not only be discerning, but also (6) consistent in your approach and (7) not allow any distractions to divert you or rob your resources of time and energy. The enemy used lies to frighten them (v 9), but these were (8) confronted and exposed (v 8), while (9) Nehemiah and the people stayed focused and being strengthened by God (v 9). Don’t allow intimation and discouragement to set it. Rather, confront the deception with the truth to expose the lies. Finally, another example of the enemy trying to trick the leader into a scam was discerned and exposed (vv 10ff). (10) Be careful whom you trust and (11) stay true to the truth by rejecting false prophecy, appealing as it might sound. (12) Complete the work like Nehemiah did (v 15), which will eventually be a major blow to the enemies and their attacks (v 16). The God of Heaven gave them success, as promised! In all this, Nehemiah lead by example as true leaders must.

(9) The importance of the personal example

Throughout all his mission, Nehemiah showed mature leadership by his personal example. He went through the important process of personal preparation, in both prayer and assessment, and he was exemplary in personal purity. Like Samuel before him (see 1 Sam 7:1–5) and Paul after him (see Acts 20:33–35), he was pure, responsible and modest in dealing with the available resources (see Neh 5:14–19). We disqualify ourselves by moral failures—but we shouldn’t. We cannot disappoint those who trust us, but we must do the right thing no matter what it might cost us.

We all know that the first principle of leadership is, ‘leading by example.’ Nehemiah did so. Although ‘former governors’ did certain things, he chose to do it differently—and better. He raised the standard. Just because others did it a certain way, doesn’t mean we have to do it in the same way. Sometimes we need rethink things and find better or more suitable ways. Just because others take certain rights, it doesn’t mean we have to (see Paul’s example in 1 Cor 9:1–23). We must always make sure we don’t disqualify ourselves (vv 24–27). Nehemiah didn’t want to place burdens on the people (Neh 5:15), and he saw that it was difficult for them (v 18). He didn’t seek privileges for himself or his close companions. He himself built on the wall alongside the people (5:16), associating with the people and carrying the burden together. That’s the kind of leader that will always be respected by the people. Laying burdens on people is wrong, and not carrying them ourselves, completely disqualifies us from leadership (Mt 23:4). Lead by example—without compromise.

(10) The importance of righteous order

Order is very important; chaos is bad. We cannot establish order unless we ourselves are in order. Hence, the importance of the personal example of a leader. Nehemiah set the standard, a higher standard compared to previous leaders, and this gave him the moral authority to establish order. Nothing is worse than hypocrisy in leadership; Jesus was very clear about that throughout His dealings with hypocrites in His time. Hypocrites will lay burdens on others they won’t carry themselves; they would expect of others what they won’t do themselves; they would be judgmental of others while compromising about their own standard. The opposite makes the good leader. He won’t be judgmental and harsh, but competent and serving, empowering others with the moral authority of a good example and personal sacrifice.

As noted above, Nehemiah did things differently when it came to the administration of resources (Neh 5:14ff). The event prior to that decision he made and the example he set, sheds further light on the quality of leadership required to set righteous order. There was a ‘great outcry’ among the people (Neh 5:1) due to leaders using their position of power for financial gain (vv 2ff). It is ugly to abuse authority, even worse to abuse it for financial gain and self-enrichment. This is the core problem of corruption which leads to mass poverty while a few at the top get filthy rich. Nehemiah took none of it—and he wasn’t afraid to confront it! Nehemiah, interestingly, ‘consulted with [himself]’ (5:7). You must be true to your internal values, even if there’s no one to consult and confirm them. He knew what was right. He ‘contended’ with the leaders and called an assembly to sort out this injustice. It’s wrong when the oppressed become the oppressors, but it happens. People are too often selfish and greedy and it’s wrong when the innocent and weak suffer.

In terms of biblical order, we need it if we want God’s blessing. Often, we emphasise grace so much that we forget that God doesn’t bless a sinful mess. God is a God of justice, not just love. Love without holiness is fake. God loves a sinner that is a mess, no doubt, but He calls them to repentance and wants to forgive, cleanse and change, and set them on the straight and narrow (Mt 7:13). This is true also for a community, like in the time of Nehemiah. We need righteous order; not enforced by harsh authority, but by exemplary leadership we can trust. We cannot use worldly methods on God’s people. God’s name and our reputation is more important than wealth (Prov 22:1); keeping God’s commandment is more important than gold (Ps 119:127); and so is wisdom (Prov 8:19).

The people responded humbly and things immediately became better for everyone. We need to always look out for the common good, an equality based on love and generosity (2 Cor 8—9). The financial and family matters and other issues were also established in terms of righteous order based on biblical instruction, not abusive human greed (see Neh 13). Ezra the teaching priest came to support Nehemiah (Neh 8—9) in his work of establishing proper religious practice according to the Word and will of God. When the truth is spoken in love (Eph 4:15) and faith is working through love (Gal 5:6), people are maturing and are entering into proper functionality and cooperation for the common good and glory of God (Eph 4:11–16).

(11) The importance of pure worship

We already discussed the importance of purity in Ezra. We see the same in Nehemiah. Both personal purity as well as corporate purity are important as God is a holy God that requires holiness in all things (Hebr 12:14; 1 Thess 4:3). The reading of the Law of God not only caused repentance, but also worship of God (Neh 9:3). God’s word corrects us and restores us. They began to sing praises and psalms to God (9:5ff). They dedicated themselves to ‘walk in God’s law’ (10:29) and do things ‘as it is written in the law’ (v 34). It’s important that out lifestyles and practice is biblically accurate and reflects God’s holiness.

Nothing wrong with being modern in expression as long as our values are not worldly. Our ‘spiritual service of worship’ (Rom 12:1), must be as a ‘living and holy sacrifice,’ not according to worldly standards but based on God’s ways, which requires a renewed mind (v 2). What follows is a lifestyle and service according to divine standards and values, from ‘sound judgement’ (v 3), to corporate functionality (vv 4–8), from unhypocritical love (v 9) and genuine ‘brotherly love’ to honourable conduct with one another (vv 10–16), to handling challenges and problems in a godly manner (vv 17–21). All of this is part of a lifestyle pleasing to God, not just singing a few fancy songs with happy music. Worship is much more than that.

As a matter of fact, according to Jesus, worship is very much a matter of biblical interpretation and application. In the dispute over the meaning and application of a biblical command (Mt 15:1–6), the problem Jesus had with some of the theologians and religious leaders at the time was how human traditions can actually abolish the very word of God (v 6), which is a big moral failure leading to hypocrisy (v 7). He quoted the prophet Isaiah to them (vv 8–9), in which it is clear that worshiping God with lips only, yet with hearts far away from Him (v 8), is false and fake, since it’s based on teachings and doctrines by men, not God’s Word (v 9). Teaching false stuff leads to false beliefs and practices. True worship, on the other hand, must be based on ‘sound doctrine’ (an emphasis in Paul’s letters to Timothy). The truth that sets us free to live and worship God is found in the teachings of Jesus, the Messiah (Jh 8:31–36; 4:1–26).

(12) The importance of a strong finish

Jesus stated that He came to do the will of God and to finish the work He had sent Him for (Jn 4:34). In other words, the will of God—nothing less, nothing more, and nothing else. This should be our dedication to God, our Saviour. Jesus came to do the will of God (Jh 6:38) and with the famous words, ‘It is finished’ (Jh 19:30), He breathed His last. He finished the work He was sent to complete. We, too, must finish what we start.

At the end of a productive and successful life, the apostle Paul was able to write to his young friend Timothy: ‘I have fought the good fight [of faith], I have finished the course, I have kept the faith’ (2 Tim 4:7). It’s important to finish what we start—and to finish strong. Often a musical concert ends on a high note, that is, with a great finish to be remembered (and people wanting to attend the next concert). A football game can still be won in overtime, as Manchester United showed in 1999 when scoring two goals in extra time to overturn 0:1 against a baffled Bayern Munich in the Champions League final. Liverpool overturned a 0:3 after half time to win the 2005 trophy against AC Milan. This type of attitude to finish strong despite the set-backs is required in life, too. Never give up. Fight to the end! But should you lose, at least lose in style. And even if you should not achieve something you worked on, at least you’ve tried—that’s better than doing nothing!

From the outset we must be determined to finish what we start. Make up your mind as you take on a new challenge. This is especially important when we face difficulties and go through bad times, be it in business, set-backs in our career, or personal issues. There will be disappointments and failures, but they must be overcome towards victory. As the famous leadership expert John Maxwell so brilliantly put it in Failing Forward*, use your mistakes and failures as stepping stones towards success: ‘The difference between average people and achieving people is their perception of and response to failure’ (Failing Forward, 2). So, the question is, ‘Are you going to fail forward or backward?’ (ibid., 5) Hence, ‘learn… how to fail forward’ (ibid., 7). A determination to finish strong and a humility to learn from your mistakes will help you achieve what you desire.

*Maxwell, John C. Failing Forward. Turning Mistakes into Stepping Stones for Success. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2000.