25-0105p - Detailed Summary

The speaker introduces the evening’s sermon titled "Nehemiah, a Man on the Point of a Spear," metaphorically placing Nehemiah in the most dangerous and pivotal position. The speaker shares his military background as an ammunition specialist (MOS 55 Bravo) in the U.S. Army, contrasting his role with that of those who were on the literal "point of the spear."

Before delving deeper into Nehemiah’s story, the speaker explains the Jewish calendar’s structure compared to the Gregorian calendar. The Jewish calendar is based on lunar months of either 29 or 30 days, which leads to a year of 354 days. To align with the solar year, an extra month, Adar II, is added roughly every three years. This context helps understand when events occur in the scriptural narrative.

The speaker elaborates that the Hebrew calendar’s months start with the New Moon, as mandated in Exodus 12, where God instructs Moses and Aaron to mark the beginning of months with the New Moon.

Upon receiving the distressing news, Nehemiah weeps, mourns, fasts, and prays for many days. He acknowledges his and his people’s sins, confesses them to God, and prays for mercy and favor, citing God’s promise to gather His people if they return to Him and keep His commandments.

Nehemiah is introduced as the king’s cupbearer, a position of great trust and responsibility, where he must ensure the king’s safety from poisoning among other duties.

In chapter 2, during the month of Nisan, Nehemiah serves the king wine but is visibly sad, which is unusual. The king notices and inquires about his sadness. Nehemiah, terrified, prays to God before answering, asking to be sent to Judah to rebuild Jerusalem. The king grants his request, asking how long he will be gone, to which Nehemiah sets a time, indicating a significant period. Additionally, Nehemiah requests letters for safe passage and resources for rebuilding, showing his strategic foresight and the king’s support.

Nehemiah further requests letters for safe passage through regions controlled by governors beyond the Euphrates River, and a letter to Asaph to provide timber for construction in Jerusalem. This preparation underscores the logistical challenges and the extensive support Nehemiah seeks for his mission.

The king grants Nehemiah’s requests, providing him with 12 years off, funding for his trip, and the necessary resources, attributing the favor to God’s hand upon him. Nehemiah then travels with the king’s letters to the governors beyond the river, accompanied by army captains and horsemen. Upon hearing of Nehemiah’s mission, Sanballat the Horite and Tobiah the Ammonite official are deeply disturbed, reflecting a historical and ongoing animosity towards the Jewish people. The speaker highlights the fast-paced, engaging nature of Nehemiah’s narrative, emphasizing its place within the broader context of Ezra and Nehemiah’s efforts to restore Jerusalem.

Nehemiah’s trip is described as the third attempt to bring the Jewish people back to Judah, under King Artaxerxes. The journey from Susa to Jerusalem, approximately 900 miles, is not a solitary trek; Nehemiah is accompanied by the king’s men, likely using animals like camels for travel.

The speaker discusses the practicalities of traveling such a distance by camel, which can cover 18 to 25 miles daily, with exceptional cases up to 75 miles, though not sustainable over long periods. This journey would take months, illustrating the significant commitment and logistical planning involved.

Nehemiah’s request for timber from Lebanon, as mentioned in 1 Kings 5, where Solomon sought similar resources, shows his strategic planning. He would likely stop in Lebanon to secure these materials for rebuilding Jerusalem’s gates.

Upon arriving in Jerusalem, Nehemiah spends three days there before secretly inspecting the city’s damaged walls at night, highlighting his cautious approach and strategic assessment before revealing his intentions.

Nehemiah conducts a night tour to assess the damage, entering through the valley gate, moving to the serpent well, refuse gate, and other points. He returns discreetly, having gained a firsthand view of the devastation. Upon revealing his plan, opposition from Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem begins, accusing him of rebellion against the king despite his official documents.

Nehemiah rallies the local Jewish population to start rebuilding, explaining the dire condition of Jerusalem and the divine favor and royal approval he has received. Despite local support, the opposition mocks and questions their motives, escalating the tension.

The rebuilding starts in earnest with different sections of the wall and gates being repaired by various individuals and families, including women, showing a community-wide effort. The opposition continues to grow, with the adversaries ridiculing the effort.

The rebuilding proceeds with urgency, with each part of the wall and gate systemically restored. The community’s dedication is noted, even amidst the chaos of rubble and opposition.

The opposition, particularly from Sanballat and Tobiah, intensifies with taunts and doubts about the feasibility of the project. The speaker draws parallels to modern challenges faced in similar contexts.

Chapter 5 describes internal strife due to famine and economic hardship; the people are forced into debt, selling lands, and even children into slavery to survive. This situation conflicts with the timing of agricultural duties like the summer harvest, showing the sacrifices made for the rebuilding effort. Nehemiah’s leadership is further tested by attempts to intimidate him through false prophecy and threats, demonstrating his resolve and faith in the face of multifaceted adversity.

Nehemiah faces betrayal as some are hired to trick him, but despite all adversities, the wall is completed in an astonishingly short time, in just 52 days, as documented in Nehemiah chapter 6, verse 15.

The rapid completion of the wall leaves the enemies disheartened, acknowledging the divine intervention in this achievement. However, there’s continued political maneuvering with letters being exchanged between the nobles of Judah and Tobiah.

Even after the wall’s completion, there’s an ongoing struggle with Tobiah’s influence among the Jewish leadership due to familial ties. Nehemiah faces further attempts to intimidate him through correspondence. Despite the adversity, the project’s success is attributed to God’s support. Nehemiah then organizes the operations of the city with the wall now in place. However, the narrative reflects the recurring cycle in Jewish history where obedience to God leads to prosperity, but disobedience leads to downfall.

The speaker reflects on the lessons from Nehemiah’s story, highlighting the strength of faith amidst opposition, ridicule, and internal strife. Following God’s will is portrayed as potentially dangerous but ultimately rewarding, emphasizing that divine service might not always yield immediate visible results.

The sermon draws parallels to current challenges for believers, emphasizing that following God’s instructions can be difficult and fraught with opposition. However, trust in the Lord is key to safety and success, referencing Proverbs 29:25 and Galatians 6:9 to encourage perseverance and faith. The speaker stresses the importance of aligning one’s life with God’s teachings for eternal benefits.

The speaker concludes by expressing gratitude for God’s instructions through scripture, urging the congregation to adhere to His word for eternal life. An invitation is extended for anyone needing further spiritual guidance or support.