Called by God: Nehemiah
Background
The Babylonians conquered Israel and took most of God’s people into captivity. Only a small group remained in Jerusalem. Nehemiah, one of the captives, was cupbearer to the King of Babylon, a position of great trust since the cupbearer was the King’s food taster. One day Nehemiah’s brother and some friends came to visit and Nehemiah asked them about Jerusalem and the Jewish remnant there.1
Response
When they told him that both were in great trouble and disgrace, Nehemiah sat down and wept, mourned, fasted and prayed for some time.
Even as Nehemiah tried to process the news, He was already formulating a plan to go to Jerusalem. He prayed that God would grant him success in approaching the King about a leave of absence. Nehemiah continued to pray for four months waiting for God to open the door.
When the opportunity came, Nehemiah knew just what to ask for. The King not only granted Nehemiah’s requests, he gave him even more, including protection as he traveled to Jerusalem.
When Nehemiah arrived in Jerusalem he was very careful not to reveal his plans to anyone too soon. One night he inspected the wall for himself and verified that the situation was desperate.
Calling
The next day Nehemiah brought the remnant together and revealed his calling. “’You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace. I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me.’ The people immediately replied, ‘Let us start rebuilding.’ So they began this good work.”2
GO “It pleased the king to send me; so I set a time.”
DO “Come, let us rebuild the wall …”
TO “… Of Jerusalem …”
SO “… And we will no longer be in disgrace …”
LO “I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me”
Meaning
What can we learn from Nehemiah’s calling? First, God will reveal your calling while you are faithfully serving in your current ministry. When you know your calling, your passion may trigger tears, smiles, or even fear. It’s important to spend time in prayer and fasting to fully discern the next steps. Then research your audience before putting your plan into action.
Summary
When God gives you the green light, move forward without delay. An indirect calling – given through another person – may require you to prayerfully put it into words yourself. Finally, you may need a champion who will provide the resources you need to fulfill your calling.
Prayer
Lord, I’m so grateful to You for the example of Biblical characters so that I can see how You work in my life, too. Show me the way for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
1 The story of Nehemiah’s calling can be found chapters 1 and 2 of Nehemiah.
2 Nehemiah 2:6b
© 2013 Designed to Serve®
Dr. Steve Lake is a retired educator with over 30 years experience in the American public schools. He has served in a variety of position, including teacher, elementary school principal, junior high principal, Associate Superintendent, retired from public education as Superintendent of Schools in Lincolnwood, IL. He has his Bachelors, Masters and Doctor of Education degrees from Northern Illinois University. For the past 25 years Steve has attended and been a member of Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington and Northfield, IL. At Willow Creek Steve has taught adult classes on spiritual gifts, life purpose, and spiritual disciplines. He has ministered overseas in Angola, Zambia, Honduras, Germany, and Russia. Steve is co-founder of Designed to Serve, a ministry that equips Christians to live out their unique God-given calling. Steve is married and has two adult children who are married.
