September 27 - Nehemiah 6-7: Nehemiah's Solid Faith Leads to Jerusalem's Solid Walls

Today’s Reading: Nehemiah 6-7

The Message

English Standard Version

Nehemiah 7 has a list of names meaningful to the exiles but not for us. Scan down to verse 73.

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Nehemiah and everyone helping him rebuilt the walls in 52 days. It took over 2 years before the Temple reconstruction restarted after it was unfairly stopped.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Sanballat, Tobiah, and Israel's other enemies tried continuously to thwart Nehemiah's efforts. He refused their bait each time. They accused him of treason. He prayed for strength. They hired a "prophet" to lure him into the Temple. He prayed they would be punished. Nobles wrote scathing letters because of their ties to Tobiah. Nothing fazed him.
The wall was finished in 52 days. Now secure, Israel's enemies left them alone.
Nehemiah found the records from the first wave of exiles. They numbered 42,360 plus slaves and singers.
Several families gave offerings for the Temple.
Everyone found a place to live.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

Nehemiah's accomplishments are a tribute to his leadership.

The fact that through constant insults, letters of reprimand, and schemes to kill him Nehemiah continued leading the effort to rebuild Jerusalem's walls and succeeded speaks volumes about his faith. The only thing that could have gotten him through this time was faith in God. When God's Chosen Leaders have full faith in God setting things right, great things happen.

God has returned His Chosen People to their land.

After many years, Israel now lives in peace in their homeland. They may not have a king like they had before, but their land is theirs again. God repeatedly promised they would be returned to their home and now it has come true. God's Promises come true.

Do you know a leader who accomplishes much because of steady, unswerving faith?


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