The basic story of Nehemiah is the rebuilding of the city of Jerusalem. The captivity has ended; the Israelites are returning to their home; but the city has been destroyed. Along with Ezra, Nehemiah works to see that the walls of Jerusalem are rebuilt.
The reading is somewhat dry. There are a lot of names of persons who have become forgotten even by the most studious Bible scholar. But through it all comes the amazing realization that God is directing the establishment of His city and that God is giving direction to how his people are to live. And, more amazing still, is the realization that the people are turning to Nehemiah to seek instruction from God as to how they are to build and to live.
Who is guiding such decisions in our lives? From what source do we derive the standards upon which we will establish our future?
I hear that in some Quaker communities there are "Clearness Committees" which help individuals make important life decisions. The one facing a decision invites a group of fellow believers to sit with them and help them think through what course should be taken. I find that process to be very attractive.
We are constantly and continually building and rebuilding our lives and our fortresses. How are we involving God and God's servants in helping us to make those decisions? Nehemiah lifts up an example of how strong a city becomes when it is built with the guidance of God's Word.
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