Series: Rebuilding [#3]
THE REALITIES OF REBUILDING
Nehemiah 2:11-20
Introduction:
The talk of rebuilding is exciting, the actual work usually isn’t. We need to look at the realities of rebuilding- Those things to expect.
A reality of rebuilding is…
1. There will be a mess.
Knowing that there will be a big mess you need to make a couple of considerations before you actually start rebuilding.
It is always easier to start from scratch.
Is there still a need for what is going to be rebuilt and is there anything salvageable?
Am I really committed to the work that it will take to rebuild?
If the answer is yes to questions #2 and #3 understanding that #1 is the truth, then you need to make a good assessment of the damage done.
Nehemiah 2:11-15 (NIV)
“I went to Jerusalem, and after staying there three days I set out during the night with a few others. I had not told anyone what my God had put in my heart to do for Jerusalem. There were no mounts with me except the one I was riding on. By night I went out through the Valley Gate toward the Jackal Well and the Dung Gate, examining the walls of Jerusalem, which had been broken down, and its gates, which had been destroyed by fire. Then I moved on toward the Fountain Gate and the King’s Pool, but there was not enough room for my mount to get through; so I went up the valley by night, examining the wall. Finally, I turned back and reentered through the Valley Gate.”
To make an accurate assessment, you need to…
Be physically and mentally ready.
If you go to assess the situation tired and unfocused you will just hurt your assessment. That is why I believe God waited 3 days before He led Nehemiah to go. God wanted Nehemiah to rest for a few days after his long trip.
To make an accurate assessment, you need to…
Be unbiased.
Nehemiah went by himself at night so he could see where everything stood without everyone else’s commentary. Leaders, you got to do this part on your own. Don’t delegate this task.
To make an accurate assessment, you need to…
Be focused but not obsessed.
You need to be honest and accurate about the damage but don’t obsess over it. That’s called worry and all that will build is ulcers. Focus on the task not the tragedy.
Nehemiah 2:16-18 (NIV)
“The officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing, because as yet I had said nothing to the Jews or the priests or nobles or officials or any others who would be doing the work. Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.” I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me. They replied, “Let us start rebuilding.” So they began this good work.”
A reality of rebuilding is…
2. There will be a need for workers.
Knowing that you usually can’t rebuild by yourself you need to consider these things:
Is this of God?
Are other people burdened about rebuilding?
Am I willing to deal with people and find out who they are?
If your answer is yes to all 3 of these questions then you need to…
Ask God to place in your mind those people gifted and talented for the task.
While Nehemiah was assessing he was already thinking about who was going to do what. He didn’t even know these people, yet God was putting people in his mind.
Call those who have the same burden together.
At this gathering give them an honest assessment and what the goal is. Nehemiah did just that. He told them about the destruction and that the goal was to rebuild the wall.
Give them testimony about what God has done in your life.
That’s what Nehemiah did.
Nehemiah 2:19-20 (NIV)
“But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official and Geshem the Arab heard about it, they mocked and ridiculed us. “What is this you are doing?” they asked. “Are you rebelling against the king?” I answered them by saying, “The God of heaven will give us success. We his servants will start rebuilding, but as for you, you have no share in Jerusalem or any claim or historic right to it.”
A reality of rebuilding is…
3. There will be opposition.
Knowing that anytime you begin to rebuild something that is good that there will be opposition, you need to consider these things:
Is this worth fighting for?
How will I hold up under criticism?
How will I respond to the enemy?
Before you lead people into rebuilding you must be able to answer these questions, because to get them started and then “bail out” because of opposition can be very harmful to completing the task.
Let’s look at these 3 questions again.
Is this worth fighting for?
Not every fight is worth fighting; but Nehemiah knew this one was.
How will I hold up under criticism?
Nehemiah was not stupid. He knew there would be criticism but he wasn’t being led by the critical, he was being led by God.
How will I respond to the enemy?
Nehemiah responded to the enemy the same way Michael the Archangel did- Let them fight God. The battle belongs to the Lord.
Conclusion:
Nehemiah knew the realities of rebuilding and led the people into rebuilding. As you look at the realities of rebuilding you must decide for yourself. God has given me my answer. That’s why I am still here. Are you in or out? You need to decide.
