“I prayed to the God of heaven, and I answered the king, ‘If it pleases the king …, let him send me to the city in Judah where my fathers are buried so that I can rebuild it.’”
Nehemiah 2:4-5
Nehemiah intercedes on behalf of God’s people before two kings—one on earth and One in heaven. While Nehemiah hopes for the favor of King Artaxerxes, his ultimate hope rests upon the King in Heaven before whom he prays. In fact, this theme plays out through the whole book. The hopes of God’s people rest upon their intercessor.
As we already have seen, however, Nehemiah is a sinner in his own right, and he admits it. His intercession on behalf of God’s people is an imperfect picture of the perfect intercession of our great high priest, Jesus Christ. When Jesus pleads on our behalf, He does so with His own blood and perfect righteousness. No intercession can match that!
This is where the rebuilding project should always begin—with the person and work of Jesus Christ. There would be no remnant returning to Jerusalem if Nehemiah had not secured the favor of the king (on earth, but truly, in heaven). We would have no hope and no ability to commit ourselves anew in the Lord’s service if Jesus had not earned God’s favor on our behalf.
As we already have seen, however, Nehemiah is a sinner in his own right, and he admits it. His intercession on behalf of God’s people is an imperfect picture of the perfect intercession of our great high priest, Jesus Christ. When Jesus pleads on our behalf, He does so with His own blood and perfect righteousness. No intercession can match that!
This is where the rebuilding project should always begin—with the person and work of Jesus Christ. There would be no remnant returning to Jerusalem if Nehemiah had not secured the favor of the king (on earth, but truly, in heaven). We would have no hope and no ability to commit ourselves anew in the Lord’s service if Jesus had not earned God’s favor on our behalf.
Scripture Focus
Nehemiah 2:4-8
Insight
Through Christ’s completed work and continuing prayer, we can pray and get to work!
Bible In A Year
- 1 Samuel 13-14
- Psalm 126
- 2 Corinthians 6-7
