The biblical book of Nehemiah is about change. Real, lasting change. For the ancient people of God, their past is full of grief, pain and mistakes. They've been ripped out of their country and taken as captives - into what has been known as the 'exile'. But, through a variety of circumstances, one man - Nehemiah - finds himself in a unique position to change the story.
With a dream in his heart, and a passion in his veins, he starts to rebuild. And, as his journey unfolds we catch a glimpse of what it takes to change the story of our lives, and take hold of a future that is unimaginable.
Although in our bibles the book of Ezra and Nehemiah are separate books, originally they were joined together as one book. And that's because they are really one story. Together they tell the dramatic account of God's people returning to Jerusalem after years away, in 'exile'. And under three leaders - Zerubbabel, Ezra and then Nehemiah - the story of rebuilding the city, and rebuilding God's people, is so relevant for us today.
It's relevant because we catch a glimpse of God's heart for people. It's relevant because God's people make huge mistakes and take wrong turns along the way, just like us. It's relevant because we get to hear of God's priorities. And, it's relevant because, ultimately, the change that is needed is impossible for them to do in their own strength. Yes, the powerful message of Nehemiah is that lasting change doesn't happen because we make it happen. No, true, lasting change happens when God gives people a new heart and a new Spirit, changing them and empowering them to live for him. In some respects, the book of Nehemiah is a disappointment because despite some amazing 'highs' it remains incomplete. They never achieve what Nehemiah longs to do.
But, that's the good news! In a sense, we live on the other side of the story. In Jesus, we have forgiveness of sin, freedom from fear and the gift of the Holy Spirit. For those who have been transformed by Jesus, we live as God's people, equipped by him to join his great adventure of change.
That's why we are studying this ancient book of Nehemiah at this stage in our church life:
• Globally and nationally, we are in time of huge change as we continue to battle with Covid.
• Personally, many of us want to change the way we live our lives, but wonder if much will ever change.
• And as a church, we have an exciting opportunity of change ahead of us.
And within all of that the message of Nehemiah is clear - God is in the business of change, and we get to join with His work. Yes, mistakes will be made, but if we take hold of the future with both hands - in humble, prayerful, courageous devotion - we get to join in with what the Holy Spirit is doing. He's at work in us, and through us and he is the master craftsman of change. So, let's dive in and take hold of life!
