Royalty and Ruin

God Gave Nehemiah Courage

In that brief moment of prayer Nehemiah received courage to ask Artaxerxes for authority to build up Jerusalem and make it once more a strong city. Results that were enormously important to the Jewish nation hung on this request. “And,” Nehemiah declared, “the king granted me what I asked, for the gracious hand of my God was upon me.” NRSV. RR 222.6

Nehemiah set about making arrangements to assure the success of the project. While he knew that many Israelites would rejoice in his success, he feared that some might stir up the jealousy of their enemies and perhaps bring about the defeat of the whole effort. RR 222.7

The king had received his request so favorably that Nehemiah felt encouraged to ask for still more help. He asked for a military escort to give authority to his mission. He obtained royal letters to the governors of the territory he must pass through on his way to Judea and a letter to the keeper of the king’s forest in Lebanon, directing him to furnish timber. Nehemiah was careful to have the authority given him clearly defined. God’s children are not only to pray in faith but to work with diligent and wise care. RR 222.8

Nehemiah did not think his duty was done when he had wept and prayed before the Lord. He united his petitions with holy effort. He asked for the means he lacked from those who were able to give it. And in behalf of the cause of truth, the Lord is still willing to move on the hearts of people who are in possession of His goods. Those who work for Him are to secure these gifts by which the light of truth will go to many dark lands. The donors may have no faith in Christ, no acquaintance with His Word; but this is no reason why their gifts should be refused. RR 223.1