Day 16 - Nehemiah

Nehemiah had a great heart, and I love the interchange in the opening chapter in the book he wrote:

Hanani, one of my brothers, came from Judah with some other men, and I questioned them about the Jewish remnant that survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem.

They said to me, “Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.”

When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. Then I said:

“O Lord, God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and obey his commands, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father's house, have committed against you. We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses.

“Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.’

“They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great strength and your mighty hand. O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.”

(Nehemiah 1:2-11 NIV84)

There's a couple things that stick out to me.

1. When things aren't right, it breaks his heart. Nehemiah is bothered when things are simply off. Often, we don't let things bother us enough. We get either blind to it or satisfied. We ought to lose some sleep when we see injustice in the world or disobedience in our own lives. And we ought to get ready to do something about it.

2. Nehemiah prayers a prayer for the ages. Key to that prayer is confession. He confesses the sins of the people and his own sin. He implores God to open His ears and ask him to act. His prayer is laced with humility and the clear attitude that it is a privilege to come before Almighty God.

What are seeing that's wrong in the world or in your life? Let it bother you, get on your knees, confess your sins, and pray a prayer for the ages.