In Nehemiah week 3, Kelly’s study takes us through the completion of the wall and what God laid on Nehemiah’s heart: Now bring back My people. The goal of rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem was only half of the goal. The wall’s completion was only the beginning. After insult, and intimidation, Nehemiah finishes the wall in 52 days! An amazing feat for sure. It amazed even the surrounding nations and “They realized that this work had been done with the help of our God.” (6:16)
But Jerusalem was nothing without its people. The Jews were in exile, and now it was time to call them back. Nehemiah had rebuilt the wall- now it was time to fill it with her people. To understand God’s heart for His people, Kelly had us read Isaiah 43:1-7. I am going to put it here so you can read it right away. It is such a beautiful glimpse into the heart of our God. He truly loves His people.
But now, this is what the Lord says—
he who created you, Jacob,
he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
3 For I am the Lord your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I give Egypt for your ransom,
Cush[a] and Seba in your stead.
4 Since you are precious and honored in my sight,
and because I love you,
I will give people in exchange for you,
nations in exchange for your life.
5 Do not be afraid, for I am with you;
I will bring your children from the east
and gather you from the west.
6 I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’
and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’
Bring my sons from afar
and my daughters from the ends of the earth —
7 everyone who is called by my name,
whom I created for my glory,
whom I formed and made. ”
God’s heart is for His people. This section of scripture in Isaiah was written about a century before the events in Nehemiah. God’s prophecy is being fulfilled through Nehemiah. Wow!
Kelly also reminds us that this prophecy in Isaiah 43 is also for His children in Christ that He will gather since we are now spiritually part of chosen Israel. (“This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 3:6)
Oh- isn’t it to beautiful to know how precious you are to God? I love what He says in verse 3-4. He will give nations for your ransom, and give people in exchange for your life. He gave the ultimate gift of His Son on the cross for you. What an amazing and loving God we serve!
Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us”
Living for an Audience of One 