Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in, how Jerusalem lies in ruins with its gates burned. Come, let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer suffer derision.” (Nehemiah 2:17, ESV)
Nehemiah makes his case to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. He had pondered the situation, prayed over the situation, assessed the situation, and made plans to address the situation. Now came the time to build a consensus and to recruit the people who would make it happen.
But there was something he lacked. It was momentum. The people had suffered derision. Not only were the walls broken, but their spirits were broken as well. Morale was low. Turning the tide would not be easy.
Momentum is critical to a movement. Momentum is a great exaggerator. Momentum can make some things seem better than they are and other things worse than they are. When momentum is positive, the future is bright, and all things are possible. But when momentum is lacking, the future is dark, and everything seems impossible.
The most difficult thing when there is no momentum is creating some positive movement. It is not easy. But it is born out of a leaders passion, enthusiasm, and vision. If you are a leader and you are not passionate about what you are leading, then it is better for you to step aside. If you are a leader, building momentum starts with you. It’s not going to happen without you.
Nehemiah addresses the hurt and the pain. He speaks about how the walls have been broken down. He talks about how the people had suffered derision because of their situation. But he also offers a solution. Let’s rebuild the walls! He gets the ball rolling.
It is Nehemiah’s passion that would build passion in the people. It was his overwhelming desire to effect change that would carry the day and motivate people to make it happen. And the source of that passion was God!
Reflection
- Where is God creating a burning passion within you to effect change?
- How do you start to create movement when there is no momentum?
Prayer
Lord, I am sometimes frustrated, and my spirit feels broken. I desire to make a difference, but everything seems stalled. Renew my passion. Rebuild my zeal. Reinvigorate my spirit. Give me a burning desire to effect change and move your kingdom forward. Amen.
Brad Killeen says
Pastor Phil,
The writings about Nehemiah, please reread them for the word access. I believe that… “Nehemiah assessed the walls of Jerusalem.”, instead of “Nehemiah accessed the walls of Jerusalem.”
Regards,
Brad
Phil Ressler says
Thanks Brad. Good catch!