Intro to Nehemiah: The Book and the Man

Why study this ancient book?
Because of what the Bible is:  the Word of God written
Psalms 119, 1 Timothy 3:16-17

Nehemiah:  The Book

Chapters 1-6 Think "Wall"
The reconstruction of the city of God:  Jerusalem /in the land of promise

Chapters 7-13 Think "Worship"
The restoration of the people of God: Jews/Believers in the promises

Nehemiah: The Man
Nehemiah: Well named "comfort (comes) from the Lord"
When we are committed to difficult projects (with ups/downs) and hounded by critics- we MUST find our motivation in God which is greater than people and circumstances

Nehemiah:  A man whose faith in God led him to work!  He was a consistent contributor who overcame critics NOT a constant critic attempting to overwhelm others who were working to contribute.

Problem:  Report of the walls/gates of Jerusalem (still) in ruins 1:2-3
Response:  He prays and decides help deal with the problem 1:4; 2:17-18

Problem: Crude ridicule is directed toward him/his work 4:1-3
Response: He prays and rededicates himself to the work 4:4-6

Problem: Terrorists threaten to attack him/his people 4:7-8
Response: He prays for protection and posts a guard 4:9

Problem: He and his work are slandered 6:5-7
Response: He prays, affirms his integrity and keeps working 6:8-14

Problem: The people violate the Sabbath by business activities 13:15-16
Response:  He rebukes the offenders and prays for help 13:17-22