How to do this
Read the scripture(s) provided
Answer the questions on your own or in your group
Scripture
Nehemiah 2:11-18
11 I went to Jerusalem, and after staying there three days 12 I set out during the night with a few others. I had not told anyone what my God had put in my heart to do for Jerusalem. There were no mounts with me except the one I was riding on.
13 By night I went out through the Valley Gate toward the Jackal Well and the Dung Gate, examining the walls of Jerusalem, which had been broken down, and its gates, which had been destroyed by fire. 14 Then I moved on toward the Fountain Gate and the King’s Pool, but there was not enough room for my mount to get through; 15 so I went up the valley by night, examining the wall. Finally, I turned back and re-entered through the Valley Gate. 16 The officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing, because as yet I had said nothing to the Jews or the priests or nobles or officials or any others who would be doing the work.
17 Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.” 18 I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me.
They replied, “Let us start rebuilding.” So they began this good work.
Questions
1. Nehemiah makes clear that it was God who had put into his heart to repair the walls of Jerusalem (v12). Are there areas of transformation or justice that the Lord is laying on your heart?
2. Nehemiah shows wisdom in being careful about not sharing his strategy too soon with too many people (v12,16). Why do you think he did this? When have you followed this example of being careful about not sharing important strategies too widely, too soon? What have you learned about the process of communicating strategies in stages, to encourage the right support at the right time?
3. Read v 17-18, where Nehemiah shares his vision for the rebuilding project. What are the key elements of this vision-sharing? How do these elements connect with vision-sharing that you feel prompted to express? E.g. with family; friends; at work; in your church.
End in prayer
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