Nehemiah’s 3 Requests – Preaching
Preaching Outline on Nehemiah 2:4-8 – “And the king said to me, ‘What do you ask now? Then I prayed to the God of heaven and said to the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant is accepted in your presence, I beg you to send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers’ tombs, that I may build it. Then the king said to me, as the queen sat by him: How long will your journey be, and when will you return? And it pleased the king to send me, and I appointed him a certain time. And he said to the king, If it seem good to the king, let letters be given me to the governors beyond the river, that they may give me passage until I come to Judah; and also a letter to Asaph, the keeper of the king’s garden, that he may give me timber to cover the doors of the palace of the house, and the wall of the city, and the house that I shall enter. And the king gave it to me, according to the good hand of God upon me.”
Introduction to Nehemiah 2:4-8
Nehemiah was King Artaxerxes’ cupbearer, a position of high trust, but his comfortable position in the palace didn’t erase the pain he felt when he heard about the situation in Jerusalem. The city was in ruins, the walls destroyed and the people discouraged. Nehemiah was seized by a deep desire to rebuild Jerusalem, not just physically, but spiritually, because he knew that the city represented God’s covenant with his people.
When Nehemiah was given the opportunity to speak to the king, he made three specific requests that we can apply to our Christian walk. These requests not only show Nehemiah’s faith and dependence on God, but also reflect what the faithful servant should ask of the Lord today.
Development
“Let me go” – The request to be where God wants us to be
When Nehemiah asked to go to Jerusalem, he was expressing his desire to be where God wanted him to be, in order to fulfill God’s purpose. This request symbolizes for us the search for our true heavenly homeland.
We too are pilgrims on this earth. Here we face struggles, challenges and victories, but our hearts must be set on God’s eternal promise: the heavenly Jerusalem. Just as Nehemiah asked the king for permission to leave his comfortable position in the palace and go to the place of reconstruction, we too must cry out:
“Lord, let me go. I want to be with you in the place you have prepared for me.”
Nehemiah was not negligent. He didn’t forget that he needed time to fulfill his mission and return to the palace, but his focus was on rebuilding what God had called him to do.
Christians must live in expectation of Jesus’ return and eternal life, but also faithfully fulfill their mission while they are here. The apostle Paul declares: “If you have been raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is” (Colossians 3:1).
“Give me letters” – The King’s authorization for the road
The letters that Nehemiah requested from the king were documents that guaranteed his safe passage and authorized his purpose. He knew he would face opposition, but he was prepared with the king’s word to proceed.
For us, the “letters” represent the Word of God. The Bible is the letter given to us by the King of kings, so that we can follow the path He has called us to. When we face opposition, doubts and challenges, it is in the Bible that we find direction, encouragement and reassurance that we are on the right path.
In addition, these letters also serve as a testimony. By showing the letters, Nehemiah was declaring that he was not acting on his own, but with the authority of the king. In the same way, Christians must testify to the world that they have been called and authorized by King Jesus to live and share the gospel.
Keep and treasure the Word of God. It is the “King’s letter” that guides us, strengthens us and gives us spiritual authority. The psalmist declared: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).
“Give me resources” – The provision to carry out the work
Nehemiah knew that in order to rebuild Jerusalem, the king’s permission was not enough. He would need resources for the work: wood for the gates, the city wall and the house he would be staying in.
This request teaches us that, when we respond to God’s call, we need to depend on him to provide everything that is necessary. Nehemiah trusted the king to provide what was needed, but he recognized that it was all the result of God’s good hand upon him.
In the Christian walk, resources come from the Holy Spirit, who enables, strengthens and guides us. He is our “eternal gardener”, who prepares and provides everything we need for the Lord’s work.
- Pray and trust that God will provide the necessary resources to carry out the work he has entrusted to you.
- Remember Jesus’ words: “I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever” (John 14:16).
Conclusion
Nehemiah’s three requests reflect the priorities of a faithful servant:
- The desire to be in the right place: Nehemiah wanted to fulfill God’s purpose, and we should desire our heavenly homeland and, at the same time, do the Lord’s will while we are here.
- The need for the Word as guidance and protection: The “letters” remind us that the Word of God is the foundation of our faith and gives us the authority to resist opposition.
- Dependence on God’s provision: Nehemiah trusted that God would provide the resources for the reconstruction, and we too must trust in the Holy Spirit, who empowers and sustains us.
Just as Nehemiah heard from the king: “The king has given me according to the good hand of God upon me”, we can also be sure that if we ask in faith and humility, King Jesus will grant us everything we need to fulfill his will.
What about you? What have you asked of the Lord? What have you prioritized in your journey? Today, God invites us to ask:
- Lord, let me go: I want to be with you, do your will and live with my heart set on eternity.
- Lord, give me letters: teach me to value your Word and use it as a light for my path.
- Lord, give me resources: supply me with the strength of your Holy Spirit to carry out the work you have entrusted to me.
May we hear from King Jesus: “Everything has been arranged. Go, for my good hand is upon you!”
Preaching Outline on Nehemiah 2:4-8 – “And the king said to me, ‘What do you ask me now? Then I prayed to the God of heaven and said to the king, “If it pleases the king…
More Preaching Outlines
- Authority – Bible Outline – Luke 7:8
- The ransom of the slave – Leviticus 25:47-50
- The law will not be repealed – Esther 8
