This week… we finished up Ezra… began Nehemiah…
both men were given big jobs to do…
After completion of the temple… Ezra was called to return to Jerusalem to teach the law to the people… show them how to live it… and judge them when they disobeyed…
Nehemiah… upon hearing the news of the trouble in Jerusalem… was called to rebuild the wall…
Both men were in exile in Babylon when God stirred their hearts…
both needed permission from their king…
both needed means by which to complete their call…
authority…
finances…
manpower…
Because God was the One who called…
the One who stirred hearts…
His good hand… provided all that was needed…
He moved the heart of the king to be gracious to both men…
they each received all they needed from the king…
Ezra said it best…
This week’s readings…
Monday Nehemiah 4-5
Tuesday Nehemiah 6:1 – 7:4
Wednesday Nehemiah 7:5-65
Thursday Nehemiah 7:66 – 8:18
Friday Nehemiah 9