10 Meanwhile, the people in Judah said, “The strength of the laborers is giving out, and there is so much rubble that we cannot rebuild the wall.” ~ Nehemiah 4:10
Let me tell you, too much rubble will stop the building. Too much rubble will stop the growth. We have to clear the rubble to build and grow, but sometimes we need help to clear the rubble.
It’s been 141 years since the walls were broken down, the city pillaged, the people led into captivity, and the royal line has been dissolved, so to speak. And now Nehemiah, being of royal descent, graces the scene. But he doesn’t just kind of appear in Jerusalem; he has some encounters to overcome and tests of the LORD’s favor before he is released to come.
Now, what do I mean by that?
Well, Nehemiah was of royal descent, as I said, but he was born in captivity, but nonetheless, he held a very high-ranking and important position in the government of the Persian Empire. He was Cupbearer to the king. To us, it sounds like a lowly butler, but his position was actually a really high one. According to some scholars, the job came with great responsibility. He had full access to the king, and the king knew him pretty intimately since he realized that something was bothering Nehemiah.
He recognized a change in Nehemiah’s countenance and seemed genuinely concerned about what was bothering him. Nehemiah wasn’t just another employee to the king. The king liked him a lot and trusted him immensely,
This is called the favor of the LORD. When we submit to God, God will open doors and opportunities for us. God doesn’t leave us in our rubble; He gives us favor with those who can help us out of our rubble. No person is an island; we all need help sometimes. Iron sharpens iron.
Peace. Love. Go Forth and Accept the Favor of the LORD.
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