Connect360: Arise and Build!

• Lesson 3 in the Connect360 unit “Kingdom Assignment: The Relentless Pursuit of Obedience” focuses on Nehemiah 2:11-20.

Upon arriving in Jerusalem, much investigation was still needed before Nehemiah confronted the people. Without disclosing his plan, Nehemiah took a few men with him and went at night to inspect the walls. He passed through the city, gate by gate, some places piled with such rubble that he had to get off his horse and walk.

The situation was just as his Hanani described it. Ne­hemiah saw for himself the appalling condition of Jerusalem.

The inhabitants of the city obviously had grown complacent living in those shameful conditions. Their hearts had become hardened to the fact that Jerusalem was a disgrace not only to themselves, but also a testimony against the glory of God. The city needed a bold strategic leader who would arouse them out of complacency and show them the way.

Nehemiah called together the Jews, the priests, the nobles, the officials, and the rest and said: “You see the bad situation we are in, that Jerusalem is desolate and its gates burned by fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem so that we will no lon­ger be a reproach” (2:17).

Actually Nehemiah was not part of the problem. He was living in Susa and not even aware of the condi­tions of the city until he was told by his brother. He was justified in blaming the people for their failure to respond.

Yet, like any good leader, he used the plural pronouns, “we” and “us,” instead of “you.” Throughout the book of Nehemiah, he led by identifica­tion and example as one who was the first to step up, to make the commitment and do the work. A task this daunting required the cooperation of all the people.

Nehemiah told how God had been favorable to him and also how he had the support of the king. The peopleresponded, “let us arise and build,” and they put their hands to the good work.

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