Passionate and Burdened About His Cause

Lesson:

Perhaps one of the greatest Biblical examples for support-raising is found in Nehemiah. Nehemiah was a Jewish cup-bearer to King Artaxerxes in Israel’s post-exilic period. A friend of Nehemiah was visiting his city when Nehemiah asked about the state of Jerusalem. What his friend told him broke Nehemiah’s heart. The lack of a city wall around Jerusalem meant it was defenseless against its enemies. It wasn’t just that his city was in disrepair, or dilapidated, or needed some work, but broken and useless walls meant the image of the strength and integrity of the Israelites was broken. The people of God were humbled to a demeaning low.

Immediately upon hearing this news, Nehemiah went into a state of mourning, fasting, and prayer. His prayer wasn’t simply, “God fix this.” Nehemiah cried out to the Lord, weeping, confessing his sin and the sin of his people. He asked God to grant him favor as he took steps to do something about the state of Jerusalem. Nehemiah ‘s heart was so burdened, he couldn’t maintain a cheerful face in front of King Artaxerxes. In ancient Babylonia, this could easily mean death. So when the King asked Nehemiah, “Why does your face look so sad when you are not ill? This can be nothing but sadness of heart” (Nehemiah 2:2). Nehemiah’s heart probably skipped a beat. But instead of changing course, Nehemiah prayed to the Lord, and only then did he tell the king what he wanted to do.

Nehemiah risked death to build a wall. Nehemiah wasn’t just interested in this case, his soul longed for it. God burdened Nehemiah’s heart so heavily, he not only asked the king for permission to be absent for a stretch of time, but he also asked for the king’s army to clear the traveling roads and escort Nehemiah to Jerusalem. He even asked for materials and funds to build the wall. Nehemiah boldly asked all these things and was granted them because his cause was for the Lord.

What cause are you acting on? If God has called you to it, it’s THAT important. And it is this depth of burden that God has laid on our hearts that we absolutely must convey to our financial supporters. Artaxerxes was neither a Jew nor a follower of God; but because of Nehemiah’s credibility and humble, honest sincerity, the king immediately agreed to his requests. We must keep this burden on the front gates of our hearts, and we must sincerely and humbly approach others to communicate the depth of the burden God has given us. If we model Nehemiah in this way, others will not hesitate to feel this burden too.

Reflection:

What is the burden that God has laid on my heart? Am I able to express it clearly to potential donors so they can join me in the mission?