The Jesse Tree: Day 18
AN UNFINISHED REFORM
Nehemiah leaned in close as he listened to the reports of these Israelites, friends of his brother who had come from Jerusalem. How was the city faring?
Other leaders had since returned from exile and had helped the city a great deal. Zerubabbel led the rebuilding of the destroyed temple. Ezra, the scribe, had studied the Torah deeply and taught the people concerning it.
It seemed, even out of the ashes, God was raising up and restoring this great city, Jerusalem. But instead of further good news, these travelers brought disconcerting reports.
Other leaders had since returned from exile and had helped the city a great deal. Zerubabbel led the rebuilding of the destroyed temple. Ezra, the scribe, had studied the Torah deeply and taught the people concerning it.
It seemed, even out of the ashes, God was raising up and restoring this great city, Jerusalem. But instead of further good news, these travelers brought disconcerting reports.
“The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are destroyed by fire.”
Nehemiah 1:3
Nehemiah 1:3
As Nehemiah listened, his thoughts twisted into dismay. How could this be? If there was any future hope for the Israelites, it was tied to this city. But without walls, it was completely defenseless! These reports left him in anguish over the fate of his people.
But even in his frenzy, he had a plan.
He was cupbearer to the king, meaning he possessed the opportunity, dangerous as it was, to request the king’s help concerning the fate of Jerusalem. One day, while he was attending to his work, the king noticed his somberness and asked what disturbed him. Nehemiah responded:
But even in his frenzy, he had a plan.
He was cupbearer to the king, meaning he possessed the opportunity, dangerous as it was, to request the king’s help concerning the fate of Jerusalem. One day, while he was attending to his work, the king noticed his somberness and asked what disturbed him. Nehemiah responded:
“Why should not my face be sad, when the city, the place of my father’s graces, lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?”
Nehemiah 2:3
Nehemiah 2:3
Then, boldly, Nehemiah requested the king’s help. The king granted his wish, releasing and even sending him with materials and laborers to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls. Nehemiah led the rebuilding, and throughout it, he faced constant opposition. But through his leadership, he and the Israelites persisted, completing the walls in only 52 days. The task was fulfilled, and no longer was Jerusalem defenseless.
They celebrated the dedication of these walls with loud music, a throng of cymbals and harps, and the singing of the Levites. They partied for a week, even celebrating the Feast of Booths for the first time in centuries. Once again, hope was restored, and the people of Israel’s future seemed bright.
Until, shortly after, Nehemiah strolled through the city and unexpectedly stumbled upon the people’s ongoing spiritual negligence. The temple had fallen into neglect; the Sabbath was completely ignored; it was as if the people cared nothing for God! Horrified, Nehemiah strove to set things right, even commanding guards to close the gates on the Sabbath, utilizing the city walls to force the people into observing it correctly.
But then, somewhat oddly, after these efforts, the book closes in a very unresolved manner. The temple is restored; the walls are rebuilt, but things still aren’t right.
These loose threads are left untied for a reason—the message being that for all of Nehemiah’s efforts—he couldn’t cure the people. Because they didn’t need new walls; they needed new hearts. And no matter how hard Nehemiah worked to bring that about, he couldn’t change them.
Thankfully, these loose threads did find their connection, centuries later, when one came who would reform not only city plans, but also sinful hearts. We’ve been changed by him, and now we look forward to his return, when we will inhabit a new, perfect city—the New Jerusalem. A city forever without walls. Because what need will there be for walls, when our hearts have been made new?
They celebrated the dedication of these walls with loud music, a throng of cymbals and harps, and the singing of the Levites. They partied for a week, even celebrating the Feast of Booths for the first time in centuries. Once again, hope was restored, and the people of Israel’s future seemed bright.
Until, shortly after, Nehemiah strolled through the city and unexpectedly stumbled upon the people’s ongoing spiritual negligence. The temple had fallen into neglect; the Sabbath was completely ignored; it was as if the people cared nothing for God! Horrified, Nehemiah strove to set things right, even commanding guards to close the gates on the Sabbath, utilizing the city walls to force the people into observing it correctly.
But then, somewhat oddly, after these efforts, the book closes in a very unresolved manner. The temple is restored; the walls are rebuilt, but things still aren’t right.
These loose threads are left untied for a reason—the message being that for all of Nehemiah’s efforts—he couldn’t cure the people. Because they didn’t need new walls; they needed new hearts. And no matter how hard Nehemiah worked to bring that about, he couldn’t change them.
Thankfully, these loose threads did find their connection, centuries later, when one came who would reform not only city plans, but also sinful hearts. We’ve been changed by him, and now we look forward to his return, when we will inhabit a new, perfect city—the New Jerusalem. A city forever without walls. Because what need will there be for walls, when our hearts have been made new?
Pause to reflect
Nehemiah thought walls would help, but really the people needed new hearts. In what areas have you been looking for human solutions to something only Jesus can heal?
Nehemiah had a passion to seek the flourishing of Jerusalem, and even some understanding of how to accomplish that, even though it was incomplete. In your imagination, if our city was to flourish, what would it look like? And what would it require, to bring that about?
Nehemiah had a passion to seek the flourishing of Jerusalem, and even some understanding of how to accomplish that, even though it was incomplete. In your imagination, if our city was to flourish, what would it look like? And what would it require, to bring that about?
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