UNDERSTANDING NEHEMIAH | MEGA-THEMES

0. Introduction

a) The Bible Book Introductions are divided into 4 parts (Overview, Vital Statistics, Blueprint, Mega-themes) for easy-to-understand.

1. Mega-themes

@1. Theme: "Vision"

a) Explanation

i) Although the Jews completed the temple in 516 B.C., the city walls remained in shambles for the next 70 years. These walls represented power, protection, and beauty to the city of Jerusalem. They were also desperately needed to protect the temple from attack and to ensure the continuity of worship. God put the desire to rebuild the walls in Nehemiah's heart, giving him a vision for the work.

b) Importance

i) Does God have a vision for us? Are there "walls" that need to be rebuilt today? God still wants his people to be united and trained to do his work. As we recognize deep needs in our world, God can give us the vision and desire to "build." With that vision, we can mobilize others to pray and put together an action plan.

@2. Theme: "Prayer"

a) Explanation

i) Both Nehemiah and Ezra responded to problems with prayers. When Nehemiah began his work, he recognized the problem, immediately prayed, and then acted on the problem. 

b) Importance

i) Prayer is still God's mighty force in solving problems today. Prayer and action go hand in hand. Through prayer, God guides our preparation, teamwork, and diligent efforts to carry out his will.

@3. Theme: "Leadership"

a) Explanation

i) Nehemiah demonstrated excellent leadership. He was spiritually ready to heed God's call. He used careful planning, teamwork, problem solving, and courage to get the work done. Although he had tremendous faith, he never avoided the extra work necessary for good leadership

b) Importance

i) Being God's leader is not just gaining recognition, holding a position, or being the boss. It requires planning, hard work, courage, and perseverance. Position expectations are never a substitute for doing the difficult work. And in order to lead others, you need to listen for God's direction in your own life.

@4. Theme: "Problems"

a) Explanation

i) After the work began, Nehemiah faced scorn, slander, and threats from enemies, as well as fear, conflict, and discouragement from his own workers. Although these problems were difficult, they did not stop Nehemiah from finishing the work. 

b) Importance

i) When difficulties come, there is a tendency for conflict and discouragement to set in. We must recognize that there are no triumphs without troubles. When problems arise, we must face them squarely and press on to complete God's work. 

@5. Theme: "Repentance / Revival" 

a) Explanation

i) Although God had enabled them to build the wall, the work wasn't complete until the people rebuilt their lives spiritually. Ezra instructed the people in God's Word. As they listened, they recognized the sin in their lives, admitted it, and took steps to remove it.

b) Importance

i) Recognizing and admitting sin is not enough; revival must result in reform, or it is merely the expression of enthusiasm. God does not want halfhearted measures. We must not only remove sin from our lives, but also ask God to move into the center of all we do.