Apr. 06, 2025

Nehemiah 2:9-20

“I Did Not Expect This”

“It is impossible to read this story without learning how the work of God should be prosecuted under difficult circumstances.” G. Campbell Morgan, An Exposition of the Whole Bible

I know I signed up for this and it all seemed good when I said ”yes”, but this is too much.

1. Deliberate (vs. 11-16)

A. The Risk He took

B. Time and Inspection

C. His assessment

Luke 24:5-24

2. Nehemiah’s Meeting (vs. 17, 18)

A. Just in case you are standing too close (v. 17a)

B. Invitation to Action (v. 17b)

C. Testimony (v. 18a)

D. It’s Time! (v. 18b)

3. Problems resurface (vs. 19, 20)

A. The Bad Guys are back again (v. 19)

Nehemiah 2:10

B. Trash Talking Did not start on the court

Ezra 4:11-16

C. The Answer to the problem (v. 20)

D. So what can we do?

God’s perspective makes all the difference:

James 4:13-17

Luke 18:27

Where to start:

2 Timothy 2:15-17

Mark 14:32-42

Reflection:

1. What seems impossible to you today?

2. As you inspect your life, what relationships are crumbling right now? Which ones resemble “the broken down walls and burnt gates” of Nehemiah’s day?

Follow UP in the Word through the Week…

Monday:

Read: Luke 24:15-24

What were the people on the road to Emmaus thinking according to what Luke records? Can you put yourself in their shoes and imagine the struggle they were having?

Tuesday:

Read: Ezra 4:11-16

What were the accusations that were made against the Jews? What was the truth?

Wednesday:

Read: James 4:13-17

What is James trying to correct here? What ways can you put this into action?

Thursday:

Read: Luke 18:27

What is impossible right now in your life? How have you brought that before the Lord?

Friday:

Read: 2 Timothy 2:15-17

What are the commands in these verses? What are we to do and not to do?

Saturday:

Read: Mark 14:32-42

What is Jesus’ response to what is in front of Him? How do these verses help you to confront what seems impossible in your life?