Studies in Nehemiah Chapter 1

You can see the burden on Nehemiah's heart for his people, their sin against the Lord and his respect for the Lord. He knew the promises of the Lord, He had been taught the scriptures.

The first move he makes is prayer. He doesn't take matters into his own hands. But He gives it to the Lord to take care of. I need to remember this, when I encounter things beyond my control.  Just lift it up to the Lord.

At the end he offers a little bit of information that is very important to the story. He was the cupbearer to the King.  

This officer, in the ancient Oriental courts, was always a person of rank and importance; and, from the confidential nature of his duties and his frequent access to the royal presence, he possessed great influence. On account of the constant fear of plots and intrigues, a person must be regarded as thoroughly trustworthy to hold this position. He must guard against poison in the king’s cup, and was sometimes required to swallow some of the wine before serving it. His confidential relations with the king often endeared him to his sovereign and also gave him a position of great influence.

What a great and scary position to have. He did not know if the next sip he would take would be his last. But that was not the prayer on his heart, his burden was for his people.

Just like Esther he was in a position for "such a time as this." Are we in a certain place where maybe the Lord wants to use us for something bigger than even we can see? Sure, Nehemiah was cupbearer to the King, that came with respect, money, position and great influence, he had a great relationship with the King. Then again, his life was not really his own. He was at the Kings beck and call, his life was on the line with every sip of the wine.   

Nehemiah knew what was most important at that time. His people repenting of their sin, returning to their God and their land. That's what was most important and he did not let his circumstance get in the way. May I always see the bigger picture and not let my life or the things in it get in the way.