#612 Prayer and Empathy

The words of Nehemiah son of Hakaliah:

In the month of Kislev in the twentieth year, while I was in the citadel of Susa, 2 Hanani, one of my brothers, came from Judah with some other men, and I questioned them about the Jewish remnant that had survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem.

3 They said to me, “Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.”

4 When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. 5 Then I said:

“Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, 6 let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s family, have committed against you.7 We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses.

8 “Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, 9 but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.’

10 “They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great strength and your mighty hand. 11 Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.”

I was cup bearer to the king. Nehemiah 1 NIV

As far spread out as the body of Christ may be, we should ever take concern as if for our own hands and feet. Though Nehemiah was some 800 miles away, he welcomed information concerning the condition of his brethren afar off, whether good or bad and not rhetorically. He was a man who truly rejoiced with those who do rejoice and wept with those who weep. It breaks his heart to hear that their protection is gone, the walls and gates are down, they are exposed, easy prey to their loving neighbors. The things they have brought with them for home or temple are bare to marauders. Who will guarantee the safety of their wives and children? 

I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers,[a] you did it to me.’ Matthew 25:36-40 ESV

We may not always have the immediate means, the answer, nor know the best answer off hand. I remember when I was younger and addicted to many things, people meaning to be kind to me actually gave me godspeed towards my demise. What we think is kind is not always good, but not knowing for sure, does not stop Nehemiah from asking, from seeking God. He prays according to God's word, His promises. He does not remove himself as one without guilt or stain, but includes his own person, his father's house as guilty. We are truly exiled because You are Holy and we are far from that. We deserve this and much worse, but You have said that this was the punishment instead and even more, You said we could repent. Please hear the prayers of those who still revere you. He closes his prayer asking for favor before the king, why? Because he is his cup bearer. He will have audience, the king may address him, but God will have to prepare the heart, make the way. If God has laid that unshakable burden upon you, then know He does not need you, for He can raise up rocks just like you, but He can also make you able. In the end, you will find there is no place you would rather be, for it is in submission to His will that we find true happiness and peace. Nehemiah will seek to use the position God has granted him before this king, and he will not retire to his home to seek some other joy, gouging out the eyes of  his humanity, but rather pray as always, and ever and again. They will laugh at you, mock you, say what good is that, but they have robbed themselves already, don't steal from yourself that most Holy and essential hope. Read, pray, and I wonder in fasting if we not only know our dependence upon God, but also meet the starving as they pray. Lord, teach us to pray and let us always seek Your way, let us never turn away.