Nehemiah 2:12-20 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… I. The way to VIEW ruined fortunes. "And viewed the walls of Jerusalem, which were broken down" (ver. 13). There are broken fortunes in the Church, in business, and in the home; let us see how we are to regard them. 1. Thoughtfully. Nehemiah made a careful inspection of the ruined city. 2. Religiously. "What God hath put in my heart to do at Jerusalem" (ver. 12). 3. Conscientiously. "Which were broken down, and the gates thereof were consumed with fire" (ver. 13). Nehemiah did not try to persuade himself that the city was in a better state than it really was; he saw things in their right aspect. 4. Independently. "And the rulers knew not whither I went" (ver. 16). Nehemiah was animated by a strong purpose. 5. Cautiously. "And I arose in the night" (ver. 12). 6. Reproachfully. We must look on our broken fortunes as a reproach to us. 7. Hopefully. II. The way to REPAIR ruined fortunes. 1. Energy must be awakened. "Come and let us build up the wall." 2. Providence must be recognised. "The hand of my God which was good upon me." 3. Circumstances must be utilised. "As also the king's words that he had spoken unto me." 4. Mutual co-operation must be effected. "So they strengthened their hands for this good work." 5. Scorn must be withstood (vers. 9-20). - E. Parallel Verses KJV: 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. |
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