Nehemiah was “cupbearer to the king”, in the citadel of Susa, when some men from Judah came to him. He asked them about the Jewish remnant in Jerusalem that “had survived the exile”. This was their response: 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. (Neh. 1: 3-4)
In the verses that follow, Nehemiah cries out to the Lord, confessing the sins of his people and his own (and family’s) sins. He acknowledges the Lord’s goodness and faithfulness, and His promise to the people of Israel. 8 “Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, 9 but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.’ (v. 8-9)
What are the reasons for the broken “walls” or general brokenness we feel in our lives? So many stories in the Old Testament reveal the cause of God’s displeasure as His people refuse to believe Him, or His word to them through the true prophets (there were false prophets who spoke what the people wanted to hear, but not God’s true warning.)
I can think of a few reasons, based on scripture. The first and primary one: S I N. Since the first people in the Garden of Eden, mankind has chosen to go his/her own way, deciding what is right for themself, ignoring what the Lord may say, or desire for them. God in His endless and unfailing love always gives warning, and wisdom as to the consequences of such decisions, but we (as humans) often think we “know best” what is right for us. How tragic!
The Old Testament gives us example after example of such tragedy, and still people were stubborn. BUT… what a glorious blessing, God sent His Son, Jesus! And Jesus gives us His Holy Spirit, to guide, direct, and grant us the GRACE to desire and follow God’s will! Phil. 2:13
Chronic stress, suffering, loss and sorrow can also play a part in causing our lives to seemingly “fall apart”. Some of these circumstances I wrote about earlier. Again, as a God of comfort, the Lord understands and is always with us. A verse of comfort that I love is Psalms 73:26 “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
Walls around the city were a symbol of strength and protection. When they were strong, the people felt safe. Business was handled at the gates, but enemies were kept away by strong walls. When the walls were destroyed or crumbling, it was a sign of decline. When the ‘walls’ or that which holds us “together” seem to be falling apart, we can feel very vulnerable. How important to remember that our Lord is also our “shield and protector”. Psalms 18:2
As we seek to know and love our God, and follow Jesus according to His word, He will also be our strength and comfort. Our Shepherd, who knows and loves His “sheep” (ie. all of us who love Him). Let Him be all that He desires to be for us!
He can do the ‘rebuilding’!
