TEXT: Nehemiah 2

SUBJECT: Studies in Nehemiah #2: In Jerusalem

This afternoon, I hope to continue our Christ-centered study of Nehemiah. Jesus Christ nowhere appears in the book by name, of course, but He is its central character. Insofar as Nehemiah cared for God's people and sought to do them good, he is a type of Christ. In him our Lord's character is seen; in him our Lord's success is implied. It is good to respect Nehemiah. It is better to see his Savior at work in Him. May the Lord "open our eyes that we may behold wondrous things out of His Law".

This second chapter is a narrative. It opens with Nehemiah serving his king in Shushan. One day the king notices his sorrow and asks him to explain. Nehemiah is terrified--kings mustn't be bothered with such things. But, after praying for help, he explains the plight of Jerusalem and asks leave to rebuild it. The king agrees and provides safe passage with permission to log the royal forests for the necessary lumber.

Upon his arrival, Nehemiah tours the city by night and is appalled at what he sees. The leading men are called together; he tells them what God has laid upon his heart; he asks for their help. The men are inspired; they agree to join Nehemiah in the work. The rebuilding of Jerusalem is under way!

The work is not easy. The job is big. The laborers are few. The opposition is formidable. But Nehemiah is not dispirited: "The God of heaven Himself will prosper us".

The chapter tells us a good deal about Nehemiah. And something about his friends and enemies. But what does it say about Christ? Three things come to mind.

The Lord's knowledge of our plight is a first-hand knowledge. In Chapter 1, Nehemiah learned of the sad state of affairs then prevailing in Jerusalem: Its people "are in great distress and reproach, the wall is broken down, and its gates are burned with fire". Had he been a lesser man, he would have been satisfied with this second-hand knowledge. He might have monitored the situation from afar. But Nehemiah could not remain aloof. If God's people suffer, he must suffer with them.

What heroism he displayed! The men of Judea had no choice--suffering was their lot in life. Nehemiah had the choice. He might have remained in the palace with its around-the-clock pleasures. But he would not. Like Moses before him, he "chose to suffer affliction with the people of God".

In this way, he anticipates Jesus Christ. The all-knowing Lord is perfectly aware of our plight--the sorrows and losses and infirmities of life. His knowledge is not abstract; it is first-hand. He knows our aches because they were once His aches. Do we know poverty? "The Son of Man had nowhere to lay His head". Do we know physical pain? "They looked upon Him whom they pierced". Do we know mental anguish? His "soul was [once] exceedingly sorrowful, even unto death". Do we know rejection? "They hated Him without a cause". Do we know bereavement? He once stood at the tomb of His friend and "wept".

This first-hand knowledge was not thrust upon Him. He chose to obtain it. At any time, He might have turned from it. Even at the cross, "more than twelve legions of angels" stood by to

save Him from it. But if His people drain the cup of sorrow, He must drink it to the dregs too.

When your heart is breaking, it is good to know your Savior "is touched with the feelings of your infirmities". And not in some theoretical way. He is able to relieve the suffering believer because "He Himself has suffered".

"He knows our frame" said the Psalmist. Because it was once His "frame". His knowledge of our plight is a first-hand knowledge.

The Lord Jesus took it upon Himself to do something about our plight. From the Persian capital, Nehemiah might have done much for God's people in Jerusalem. He might have publicized their plight. He might have organized a relief effort. He might have lobbied the king on their behalf. But the city couldn't be rebuilt from afar. Therefore, he must become personally involved. This won't be easy. It means he must move to the broken-down city and dirty his hands and break his back in the rebuilding of its wall.

In this way, too, Nehemiah looks forward to Christ. He could have done us much good from heaven. He could not, however, save us from there. He must choose: Remain in heaven and see His people perish or come to earth and redeem them at the cost of His own "precious blood".

He chose to come. And to work. Not to supervise others but to work Himself. The work was hard. He must become a man; He must become a poor man; he must suffer at the hands of men; He must endure the attacks of Satan; He must absorb the wrath of God; He must submit to the power of death. Only He could do these things. He left none of them undone. Or half-done.

Like Nehemiah, our Lord Jesus took it upon Himself to do something about our plight. To do something personally.

The Lord Jesus recruits His people to labor with Him in His great work. Nehemiah had influence with the king. Had he asked, he might have obtained a construction crew to follow him to Jerusalem and rebuild its walls. But he didn't ask. He preferred to recruit God's people to do God's work. They weren't professional, of course, but they "had a mind to work". And the work, though hard, did them good. And proved Nehemiah's leadership qualities.

In this way, too, Nehemiah anticipates His Savior. Our Lord could do everything Himself. He could sanctify us without our efforts. He could evangelize the world without us lifting a finger. He could edify His church without teaching or fellowship or prayers or anything else.

It would be easier on us if He did. But not better. We'd be much poorer for it. How privileged we are to labor with Jesus Christ! He doesn't need our help. But He wants it. He wants it for our good. We ought to look at Christian work in this way. We ought to view it--not as a burden--but as an honor! Think of evangelism: Angels might be sent on this holy task, but our Lord wants us to do it! Not because we're better equipped than they, but because it's good for us to speak up for Jesus Christ and see sinners converted through our witness.

It is also good for Christ. For if He can use us to build His kingdom, the glory must go to Him. Alone. He "chooses the foolish things of the world", after all, "that no flesh should glory in His sight, but everyone should glory in the Lord".

Let us, therefore, take up the challenge. And go to work in the kingdom of Jesus Christ. And let us do so--"not grudgingly or of necessity--for God loves a cheerful giver".

And so, from this chapter, let us come to admire Jesus Christ. For His first-hand knowledge of our plight; for His choice to become personally involved in our plight; and for His willingness to use us in helping others in their plight.

May God teach us these things. For Christ's sake. Amen.