“Without zeal it is impossible … either to make any considerable progress in religion ourselves, or to do any considerable service to our neighbour, whether in temporal or spiritual things,” once wrote the 18th-century British theologian and reformer John Wesley.
Our Biblical character study today, Nehemiah, was a man of passion in his relationship with God, his concern for his people, and his desire to make a lasting difference.
His story begins not with a big splash or a prominent platform, but as a humble cupbearer to Artaxerxes, king of Persia. He was an Israelite serving in captivity, but whose tender heart deeply cared for his people and homeland.
Nehemiah’s zeal is fueled by a burden when he learns that Jerusalem’s walls are in ruins and his people are vulnerable to attack by their enemies. He doesn’t shrug off the news, saying, “That’s too bad.” Instead, he’s deeply touched by the news, and the Bible records that he shed tears, prayed, and fasted. His compassion and passion for his homeland led him to prayerfully and respectfully request a return to Jerusalem to oversee the project. The King complies. And Nehemiah begins moving from prayer to planning.
It’s noteworthy that Nehemiah’s zeal didn’t express itself in recklessness. When he returned to Jeremiah, he confided in only a few trusted men about his purpose, surveyed the situation by night, and waited three days before revealing his plan.
His zeal was tempered with purpose, prayer, planning, and dependence on God. Soon, Nehemiah rallies the people to share in his zeal for the project with this passionate plea: “Let us rise up and build.” His passion inspired everyday folks and entire families, as well as goldsmiths, perfumers, and merchants. They each took their place in rebuilding the wall. Soon, the zeal was contagious.
Although Nehemiah faced opposition from his critics, he refused to be intimidated, compromised, or fearful in the face of threats of violence. His response when Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem tried to lure him away from his work was classic: “I am doing a great work, and I cannot come down.” Nehemiah knew that allowing distractions to interfere with their progress would dampen their enthusiasm.
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Following the completion of the wall in just 52 days, Nehemiah’s zeal issued in a holy convocation as he led the people to confess their sins, renew their spiritual lives, and revive their commitment to the Lord. Not only was the wall rebuilt, but so were the lives of its inhabitants.
You can read about this inspiring success story in the book Nehemiah.
Nehemiah’s zeal offers several lessons in our 21st-century world.
#1 What burden do you feel?
One writer suggested to “ask God to break your heart for what breaks His.” Is there something in your personal life that needs correcting? Is their relationship that needs repairing? Is there a need in your family, your community, your social circle, your church family that you can meet? What touches your heart?
#2 Pray about it.
Nehemiah’s life was bathed in prayer. The book records several of his prayers for God’s guidance, blessing, deliverance, and help. The scriptural admonition to pray about everything, offering our requests before God’s throne (Phil. 4:6). It is good advice when tackling a substantial and imposing project.
#3 Your zeal can encourage and inspire others.
Nehemiah was a simple, common cupbearer with no credentials, no power, no position, no clout. But his zeal was infectious. What can you do? Whose life can you impact? What difference can you make within your circle of influence? Don’t underestimate the power of passion.
#4 Zeal must stay focused.
Don’t allow distractions to derail you from what you know in your heart is right. Don’t allow ridicule to intimidate you. Or insidious calls to compromise to sidetrack you. Or threats from enemies of truth to scare you. Keep your eye on the goal.
#5 Let zeal lead you to more profound devotion.
“Zeal pursues holiness. It is concerned not only with building walls but building character,” observed an unknown author. Zeal apart from truth, sanctity, or spiritual direction will lead you astray.
Allow Nehemiah’s example to inspire you. Ordinary folks with a zeal for God are of greater value and virtue than people with talent, eloquence, or influence who are half-hearted and indecisive.
–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman
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