Calling and Purpose 12–Nehemiah
First, a short history: The Jews are defeated and captured by the Babylonians in 607 BC. Deportations to Babylon follow in 597 BC (including Daniel). Jerusalem falls and the temple is destroyed in 586 BC. In 538, Babylon is overtaken by King Cyrus who, in 537 BC, allows some of the Jewish exiles to return to their land. These exiles begin rebuilding the temple in 535 BC. The second group of exiles returns to Jerusalem in 458 BC (including Ezra).
In 445 BC, the third group of Jewish exiles is allowed to return—this time led by Nehemiah—to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. In the first chapter of the book named after him, we see Nehemiah consumed with thoughts of Jerusalem in ruins. His first response is to seek God in prayer. When we are presented with a problem that creates a passionate response in us, do we first go to the Lord for His guidance before moving ahead? Nehemiah did. And, God’s response defines Nehemiah’s calling and purpose from then on.
By Chapter 2, Nehemiah has a plan—he has identified what is wrong, knows what is needed, asks for letters of transit from the Persian king, and procures necessary supplies and support. He travels to Jerusalem and assesses all aspects of the situation before beginning any work. Once we know that God is leading us into a huge project, do we then do a thorough assessment of what is needed for it—still remaining open to it being changed along the way?
Nehemiah has the God-given gifts, anointing, and vision to inspire other leaders and the people to get excited about and commit to the impossible-seeming task of rebuilding. The people are not particularly skilled, there is already opposition, and the Jews have lived under the oppression of others for more than 70 years. However, as a result of Nehemiah’s leadership and skillful administration, work on the city wall begins.
All along the way, Nehemiah prays, remains involved and informed, and makes sure the project stays on course. When real threats arise, he reassures the people while at the same time coming up with new plans that involve protecting the workers. He asks for God’s protection and guidance again and again, addresses the people’s fears, reassigns work as needed, and keeps casting the vision—of a rebuilt wall done by the people themselves. All the while, Nehemiah stays faithful to his God and works to earn the respect of all with whom he is in contact.
Thanks to Nehemiah’s leadership, administration, and apostleship gifts, he is able to effectively call the people to a huge and important and unifying task. He does not allow himself to be distracted from his purpose and calling. He consistently and passionately casts God’s vision. He takes into account the variables and has contingency plans. He trusts God completely—to guide, to provide, to protect. He lives as a model of integrity, passion, and faithfulness.
The results? We read that the “people worked with all their heart” (Nehemiah 4:6) and “the wall was completed…in fifty-two days” (Nehemiah 6:15).
Nehemiah’s calling and purpose is several-fold:
· To serve in the trusted position of cupbearer to the king—while in exile.
· To be an agent of God’s intervention for the remnant.
· To use his gifts as an inspiring leader.
· To use his strong administration gifts to manage a huge project and the people involved.
· To lead the rebuilding of the wall of Jerusalem.
· To face opposition with courage.
· To stay faithful to God.
For more, read the Old Testament Book of Nehemiah.
Having reflected on the story of Nehemiah, what implications for your own calling and purpose seem to be stirring?
Additional Resources:
• Downloadable Resources--See Sample List of Interest Areas; Your Spiritual Gifts—A Study Guide; Knowing Your Unique Calling and Purpose Study Guide; Whole-Life Ministry: A Form of Worship, Grace-Giving, and Living into Your Calling.
Shirley Giles Davis, author of the God. Gifts. You. Your Unique Calling and Design workbook, is a consultant, coach, facilitator who has worked with faith-based organizations, nonprofit agencies, and law enforcement leadership for over 30 years. Shirley has been EquipConnectServe Director at First Pres Boulder since 1999. She has worked with leaders and organizations in 47 of the United States as well as having clients outside the U.S. Contact Shirley.
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