Nehemiah 2

“You see the trouble we are in, how Jerusalem lies in ruins with its gates burned. Come, let us build the wall of Jerusalem …” (v17). After much prayer and receiving royal permission (since he served the Persian king), Nehemiah made the months-long journey to Israel. There, he rode around the city to inspects it ruined walls, finally revealing to Israel’s leaders that Gad called him there to supervise the rebuilding. Hearing these encouraging words from Nehemiah, the leaders “strengthened their hands for the good work” (v18).

“Let us rise up and build” (v18). Alone, we easily become discouraged and apathetic. God gives us wise leaders “for building up and not for tearing down” (II Cor 13:10).