I said to the king,
“Let the king live forever! Why should not my face be sad, when the city, the
place of my fathers’ graves, lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed
by fire?”
THE STUDY:
We
might find the first statement, in response to the king’s question, a little out
of place when it comes to our standards. But this was a common form of address
to kings in the ancient Near East (1 Kgs 1:31; Dan 2:4).[1]
We then see Nehemiah reveal the reason for the sorrowful look on his face. In his
response he avoided naming Jerusalem, perhaps so that he would not touch a
sensitive “political nerve” in the king.[2] He first had to get the king’s sympathy
before going on to details. He appealed to the king’s sense of
respect—his sense of “rightness” regarding proper respect for the dead. Nehemiah showed his great ability in
communication and delicate diplomacy.
WHAT WE CAN WALK AWAY
WITH ….
- We walk away this morning with the understanding that with wisdom concerning an overall situation and proper procedural protocol we can accomplish more. Trying to force our own agenda without comprehending the bigger picture and skipping steps along the way can be a recipe for failure.
- Nehemiah was familiar with the situation and knew proper protocol. This, along with the workings of the Holy Spirit was leading to a successful outcome for Nehemiah and eventually Jerusalem.
APPLICATION:
By the
leading of the Holy Spirit, understanding of the situation, and following proper
protocol, we can assume a better chance for success. All steps should be considered
a requirement in order for such a result.
Someone asked Emily Post (Emily Post Etiquette Daily), “What is the
correct procedure when one is invited to the White House and has a previous
engagement?” She answered, “An invitation to lunch or dine at the White House
is a command, and automatically cancels any other engagement.”
Today we should consider our time with the Lord a daily engagement—with
a priority claim over everything—to meet the Lord in the secret place. This is
where we can gather information that will help us address situations during our
day. This is proper the proper procedure!
Blessings my friends
Pastor Rod
[1]
Barry, J. D., Grigoni, M. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Mangum, D., &
Whitehead, M. M. (2012). Faithlife Study
Bible (Ne 2:3). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.
[2]
Walvoord, J. F., Zuck, R. B., & Dallas Theological Seminary. (1985). The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An
Exposition of the Scriptures (Ne 2:1). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
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