Nehemiah 2:12
“And I arose in the night, I and some few men with me; neither told I any man what my God had put in my heart to do at Jerusalem: neither was there any beast with me, save the beast that I rode upon.”
In this verse, Nehemiah, who was the cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes, shares his account of a significant moment in his mission to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Let’s explore the key aspects of this verse and draw some lessons from it:
A Sense of Purpose:Nehemiah states that God had put something in his heart to do at Jerusalem. It is crucial to recognize that Nehemiah’s mission was divinely inspired. God had given him a burden for the welfare and restoration of Jerusalem. This verse reminds us of the importance of seeking and understanding God’s purpose for our lives. When we align ourselves with God’s will, we can pursue our endeavours with confidence and passion.
Discretion and Secrecy:Nehemiah chose not to reveal his plans to anyone before embarking on his journey to Jerusalem. This discretion was likely due to the sensitive nature of his mission. It teaches us the value of discretion and wisdom in handling God-given tasks. Sometimes, sharing our plans prematurely can hinder their success or invite unnecessary opposition. There are moments when it is wise to seek God’s guidance and keep our plans private until the appropriate time.
Strategic Planning:Nehemiah gathered a small group of trusted men to accompany him to Jerusalem. This demonstrates the importance of assembling a team of like-minded individuals who share our vision and can support us in our endeavours. Nehemiah understood the significance of not embarking on his mission alone but rather surrounding himself with people he could rely on.
Dependence on God:Nehemiah mentions that there were no animals with him except the one he rode upon. This shows his reliance on God’s provision. Nehemiah didn’t rely on an entourage of horses or other animals but trusted in God’s protection and guidance. This reminds us that our ultimate reliance should be on God, acknowledging His sovereignty and seeking His provision as we pursue our God-given tasks.
Overall, Nehemiah 2:12 highlights important principles such as having a sense of purpose, exercising discretion, strategic planning, and depending on God’s provision. By applying these principles in our own lives, we can navigate our own missions and callings with wisdom and faith.
