From Broken to Restored: The Book of NehemiahSample

Read: Nehemiah 3:1–32; Isaiah 61:4

SOAP: Isaiah 61:4

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They shall build up the ancient ruins; they shall rise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations.

Into the Text

More than three-hundred years before Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple, God spoke a promise through the prophet Isaiah. When God made this promise, Jerusalem had not yet been destroyed. God warned the people of what would happen if they continued in their disobedience, yet He also promised that He would restore them, rebuilding what had been ruined and devastated.

Not only did God promise to rebuild Jerusalem after it was destroyed, but He allowed His people to take part in the work. The people of Judah came together and worked on rebuilding sections of the walls. They were from all over the region, and they worked with their families and neighbors to complete the work. It took time and effort and a lot of participation by the people to rebuild the wall. Yet Nehemiah’s passion encouraged the people to believe God’s promise and partake in the work He had given them.

Our God is a restorer, a redeemer, and a rebuilder. He never stops working, whether we can see the work or not. He is faithful to rebuild what has been devastated or destroyed, and He is gracious to allow us the privilege of joining Him in the work. God doesn’t need us to accomplish His purposes. He could have used Nehemiah by himself, or even skilled builders from Persia, to rebuild the wall. But instead, He used His people, unskilled and inexperienced but willing and obedient to do the work He had given them.

As we look at our lives, we may be in a season of devastation, rebuilding, or prosperity. No matter the season we’re in, our God is working. In the devastation, He is faithful to forgive, restore, and strengthen us as we wait for Him. In the rebuilding, He is faithful to provide all we need when we need it so that we can do His will. And in prosperity, He is still with us, blessing us and filling us with His joy as we sing His praise. May we be faithful and obedient to Him no matter our season.