Nehemiah: The Intercessor
"Remember for my good, O my God, all that I have done for this people."(5:19)
The Book of Nehemiah is very similar to the Book of Ezra in terms of their structure and content, and both books were originally considered one. Nehemiah, a Hebrew in a high position in Persia, heard that the temple in Jerusalem had been reconstructed, but the city wall remained in ruins. He prayed to God for the holy city, and God answered his prayer by softening the heart of the Persian king, Artaxerxes. The king not only granted permission for Nehemiah to go but also provided all the necessary supplies for the rebuilding project of the wall.
Despite facing vicious opposition, including mockery, accusations, and even attempts at deceitful persuasion, the construction was successfully completed in just 52 days. The newly-built wall was strong, and under Ezra's teaching, the people rededicated themselves to God's law with a unified "Amen." The exiles had returned, the promised land had been reclaimed, the temple had been rebuilt, and the city had been secured by the wall. They had a committed governor and a faithful priest. However, appearances proved deceptive, as their hearts were not strong enough to remain faithful or fully committed to their reform. Consequently, it did not take long before they fell into sin. Nehemiah, chronologically the last book in the Old Testament, concludes with Nehemiah's rebuke and plea for salvation. The saints of the Old Testament still longed for the truly secure salvation found in Jesus Christ.
In many ways, the life of Nehemiah mirrors that of Jesus in terms of their persons and works. Firstly, Nehemiah served faithfully as a cupbearer to a king. In the ancient world, this position allowed him to be seated at the right hand of the king. He was willing to risk his life by tasting the king's cup to ensure it was safe from poison. However, when Nehemiah learned of the affliction his people were facing, he willingly left his prestigious position to go to the devastated city under the king's decree. After completing his task, he returned to the king and later came back to Jerusalem to govern and judge the people. Similarly, Jesus, being in close communion with the Father, was sent to this fallen earth because His people's lives were in ruin and no one else could solve this problem. Like Nehemiah, Jesus endured ridicule, physical threats, and hatred for His actions. However, unlike Nehemiah, Jesus died for His mission and offered salvation not only to Jerusalem or the Jews but to the entire world. After accomplishing His redemptive work on earth, He ascended into heaven where the Father dwells. He will also return to judge the world in the last day.
Nehemiah was a man of prayer, deeply moved by the condition of Jerusalem, often expressing his anguish through tears. Similarly, Jesus, as a true human, serves as our ultimate example of prayer. He wept not only over the state of Jerusalem but, more significantly, over the profound suffering of His beloved people before He raised Lazarus from the dead. Nehemiah consistently pleaded with God to remember his good deeds on behalf of his people. Even when the Israelites succumbed to sin, the book concludes with Nehemiah's plea to God for blessings. Jesus Christ, as our Mediator before God, continually intercedes on behalf of His people. He also instructs us to ask anything in His name, so that the Father may be glorified through the Son. God blesses us because He remembers the person and work of His Son. Let us pray, "Our Father, please remember Your Son for our good."
