The Making of a Servant

Nehemiah 1:2-2:5
An aircraft mechanic was completing his final inspection before a plane's departure. Having made major repairs, he was satisfied that everything was ready. Then he noticed a small drip of water coming from a lavatory. It did not seem serious since it was so small, and he cleared the plane for take off.
As the plane climbed to its flying altitude, the drip became a little larger. The water began to freeze and a large piece of ice was formed. Finally it broke loose, hit an engine and destroyed it. The plane was forced to make an emergency landing. Although no one was injured, it caused much unnecessary damage and there was a great loss of time. The repair to the plane cost much more than it would have if it had been taken care of when it was first noticed.
So it is with sin!
The Jewish nation had been divided. Despite the warnings of the prophets, the people of God continued to rebel. In 722 BC, God sent the Assyrians to defeat the northern kingdom of Israel. Instead of realizing that they were next, the southern kingdom of Judah continued to rebel. In 606, Nebuchadnezzar invaded Judah. He returned in 586 BC and carried away many captives.
In Nehemiah's narrative, we learn the necessary steps to becoming an effective servant for God.

PINING OVER SIN'S CONSEQUENCES-
Nehemiah was thrilled to see his brother and the other messengers from Judah
He had hoped to hear good news about the rebuilding efforts
But he was shocked when his brother told him that Jerusalem was still a pile of rubble
He was brokenhearted, crushed, and burdened as he realized anew the consequences of sin.
Unfortunately, it is so much easier to see the folly of sin from the rubble of life, isn't it?
Why do we have such a difficulty seeing the destruction before it hits?
When people are engaging in immoral sexual relationships, they seem blind to the consequences
Those who dress immodestly, they aren't willing to hear that sin has consequences
When folks turn their backs on God, you can't convince them that they'll regret it one day
You may get away with lying and cheating for a time, but it will come around on you
Galatians 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
Amazingly, 142 years have come and gone, and Jerusalem is still in ruins
It has been 13 years since Ezra returned to rebuild Jerusalem, but the work is halted
King Artaxerxes had issued a stop-order on the construction and Jerusalem remained in shambles
Nehemiah was distressed and grieving because of the price of sin.
He calls out to God day and night and confesses his sin, and the sin of his family and nation
He took personal responsibility, acknowledging that his sin played a role in Judah's downfall
He repented and confessed that God was just and the people of Israel were wrong
This judgment of God was deserved, but Nehemiah sought forgiveness and mercy
I just want us to take a snapshot and store it in photo albums of our mind to remember
Keep this memory close at hand the next time you are tempted to disobey God- Sin brings destruction

PRAYING FOR GOD'S INTERVENTION-
That Nehemiah was so broken reveals his faithfulness and his devotion to God
Even more is revealed as Nehemiah continues to pray
He faced a situation which he rectify by himself. He needed the help of Almighty God
Nehemiah reminded God of