Hello Everyone,

Nehemiah verbalized his goal.

· ...at the proper time. In Bible times it was common for kings to be assassinated. One way it happened was thru poisoning. It was the cupbearer's job to taste everything before the king did. Nehemiah would eat and drink and if he didn't keel over then the king could have it.

· History shows that cupbearer's became unofficial advisors to the king because they were always present when business was discussed.

On this particular day it must've been obvious he was very burdened. He has been fasting so long, his eyes are red, his cheeks are sunken, he has no energy. In verse 2 the king notices. The end of the verse says Nehemiah was afraid, because this was a capital offense. Eastern Monarchs were to be shielded from all negativity.

He could be executed just for having a sad face. I'm not sure I blame the king. He does government work, all day hearing about problems, and when he sits down to eat the last thing he wants is to be waited on by someone sad or depressed.

You're the same way and you know it! Some of you as soon as your spouse walks thru the room it’s just something negative.

On this day Nehemiah couldn't hide it any longer. Why not? Because it was God's perfect timing. Had God not orchestrated this perfectly, Nehemiah would have been killed or banished.

Every day for 120 days Nehemiah would pray for God to open the door and work a miracle for the walls, and talk about an open door...God uses the king to open it, and the king himself asks what's going on, and how can I help!

v. 3 but I said to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should my face not look sad when the city where my fathers are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?”

Nehemiah verbalizes his goal. Even though he is scared, when God opens the door, he walks thru it, boldly, and doesn't mince words. He speaks up and takes the stand as a faithful witness.

Greater Things Are Yet To Come!

Pastor Phil