Will You Make A Bold Move? | Nehemiah 11:1-2

Now the leaders of the people lived in Jerusalem. And the rest of the people cast lots to bring one out of ten to live in Jerusalem, the holy city, while nine out of ten remained in the other towns. And the people blessed all the men who willingly offered to live in Jerusalem. — Nehemiah 11:1-2

CALL OUT: To Dan Tanner, one of our subscribers and listeners from Graham, WA. Dan is a retired village missionary. So to Dan and all the other retired pastors and missionaries, and those still doing missionary work today—thank you. You are modern-day heroes of the faith. Thank you for your service to the kingdom!

I like this moment here at the start of chapter 11. It emphasizes something about Nehemiah's leadership that takes his mission to a whole new level. We discover his vision was bigger than just rebuilding a wall. He was also concerned about the continuity of the people and their community.

What Nehemiah does is everything a great Governor should do.

He secures the border.
He establishes a security.
He establishes the Law.
He invites community agreement.
He moves people back into the city to strengthen spiritual life, commerce, and the continuity of the people of God.
Now, we finally see how spiritual and political values intersect.

Some people believe that political policies and religious beliefs are two separate matters. They are not. At some point, they join. As a believing being, my spiritual beliefs are inextricably tied to how I live and govern my life. But not just my life. They should affect my family, church, and community.

So, in this chapter, Nehemiah makes a strategic move. He encouraged people to move back into the city to create social, spiritual, and economic stability. Some volunteered, and some were drawn by lot. The goal was to persuade 1 in 10.

Here's the application.

At some point, our spiritual beliefs must affect how we govern ourselves, but this should impact our families and communities. In other words, our religious beliefs should affect our political actions. When we cross this divide, it requires a little more sacrifice on our part. But if you are a believer today who thinks religious belief and political actions are two separate matters, you are dead wrong. They never are. They eventually intersect. This is why we have inspiring stories about great biblical heroes like Moses, David, Daniel, and Samuel in the Old Testament and John, Barnabas, Paul, and Timothy in the New Testament. We remember these men for how their bold beliefs collided with the culture. And your beliefs should as well.

And do you know what is needed to make this happen?

Public confession and courageous action.

For too long, I have watched comfort, individualism, self-preservation, and shame silence our call to public confession and courageous action. Many believers would prefer to be silent, separate themselves from the tension, and maintain the status quo than confess their faith and act in faith.

But right in this moment, Nehemiah challenged the people to think differently. He invited them to consider this question:

Are you going to live quietly on the outskirts, playing to the status quo, living in self-preservation, or will you dare to choose to declare publicly to the Persians and your ancestors that you believe so much in your God that you will move your family back into the walls of this city for the well-being of all?

Do you see what Nehemiah is doing here? He is saying, I made a bold move for God. But that's not enough. We have to make a bold move together.

So, what bold move do you need to make today? What public confession and courageous action do you need to take? And once you decide, don't wait too long, or you won't do it.

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ASK THIS:

In what ways can you, like Nehemiah, take a bold step in your community or family to bridge the gap between your spiritual beliefs and practical actions? How can this step impact those around you?
Consider a situation in your life where you feel called to make a public confession of your faith. What challenges or fears might you face in doing so, and how can Nehemiah's example inspire you to overcome these obstacles?
DO THIS: Make a bold move with a public confession and courageous action.

PRAY THIS: Father, grant me the courage of Nehemiah to boldly integrate my faith into every aspect of my life, influencing my family, community, and the world for Your glory. Help me to confidently make public confessions of my faith and take courageous actions, just as Your faithful servants did in the scriptures. Amen.

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