Nehemiah 2:12-20 And I arose in the night, I and some few men with me; neither told I any man what my God had put in my heart to do at Jerusalem… I. THE SUBJECT-MATTER OF NEHEMIAH'S ANSWER AND WHAT IT TEACHES us. It reminds us — 1. Whence all true prosperity and success in the Lord's work are to be looked for and obtained. "Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it; except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain." "Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit saith the Lord." It is " God that giveth the increase." What the Word of God thus plainly teaches, providence abundantly illustrates, and human experience amply confirms. 2. That this ought to have the effect of stirring us up to earnest united exertion, and of keeping us ever actively engaged in the Lord's service. II. THE SPIRIT IN WHICH THIS ANSWER WAS MADE. 1. It was made in a strong, unwavering confidence in God, with the humble assurance of Divine help and success in the work. 2. It was the spirit of enlightened zeal for the cause of God and the Divine glory. 3. It was the spirit of fearless determination to prosecute the work on which he was entering at all hazards. 4. It was one of self-denying patriotism.Conclusion: We ought to cultivate the spirit and imitate the example of Nehemiah — 1. In the work of our own individual salvation. 2. In furthering the interests of the Redeemer's kingdom in the world. (J. Sturrock.) Parallel Verses KJV: And I arose in the night, I and some few men with me; neither told I any man what my God had put in my heart to do at Jerusalem: neither was there any beast with me, save the beast that I rode upon. |
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