National Revival That Began With The Butler

NATIONAL REVIVAL THAT BEGAN WITH THE BUTLER

Neh. 1:1-2:18

INTRODUCTION

A. HUMOR

1. There are a lot of people who need revival!

2. One lady, Vickie, called a lawyer’s office in the Yellow Pages. She made an appointment with their Family Law department.

3. "How can I help you, madam?" asks the lawyer.

"Is it true," asks Vickie, "that if I get divorced, I'm entitled to 50% of all of my husband's possessions?"

4. "Well," the lawyer replies, "the law firm would get their fee, of course, but after that, it’s usually the case that the woman ends up receiving at least 50% of her husband’s entire assets. So, are you ready to file for your divorce?"

5. "Oh no," replied Vickie, "I need to find a husband first."

B. THESIS

1. We're going to find out tonight how National Revival came through a Butler. This is Amazing.

2. Usually, in all the mystery/thrillers -- it's usually the Butler who’s one of the bad guys, villains.

3. How much can a Butler do anyway? They’re usually are poor, they’re servants, they’re kept very busy & don't get to go to church.

4. Question -- So How can a Butler bring National Revival?

C. TEXT

1 The words of Nehemiah son of Hakaliah: In the month of Kislev in the twentieth year, while I was in the citadel of Susa, 2 Hanani, one of my brothers, came from Judah with some other men, and I questioned them about the Jewish remnant that had survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem. 3 They said to me, “Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.” 4 When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. 5 Then I said: “Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, 6 let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s family, have committed against you. 7 We have acted very wickedly toward you. 8 “Remember…your… saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, 9 but if you return to me and obey my commands…I will gather…’ 11 Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.” I was cupbearer to the king. 2 In the month of Nisan in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was brought for him, I took the wine and gave it to the king. I had not been sad in his presence before, 2 so the king asked me, “Why does your face look so sad when you are not ill? This can be nothing but sadness of heart.” I was very much afraid, 3 but I said to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should my face not look sad when the city where my ancestors are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?” 4 The king said to me, “What is it you want?” Then I prayed to the God of heaven, 5 and I answered the king, “If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my ancestors are buried so that I can rebuild it.” 6 Then the king, with the queen sitting beside him, asked me, “How long will your journey take, and when will you get back?” It pleased the king to send me; so I set a time. 11 I went to Jerusalem, and after staying there three days 12 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. 13 By night I went out through the Valley Gate…examining the walls of Jerusalem, which had been broken down, and its gates, which had been destroyed by fire. 17 Then I said to them, “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.” 18 They replied, “Let us start rebuilding.” So they began this good work.

D. TITLE

“NATIONAL REVIVAL THAT CAME THROUGH THE BUTLER.”

I. BROKENNESS OVER SIN

A. 7 STEPS OF NEHEMIAH’S BROKENNESS

1. WEPT (4)

a. I am reminded of a story about William Booth who founded the Salvation Army. He sent several young man to another city to establish a Christian work.