- Pastor Curtis Mohler
- August 18, 2026
- Will You Go?
- Nehemiah 4:1-15; Jonah 1:2,3; I John 2:19; Exodus 35:20,21, Proverbs 26:27; Romans 12;19; I Peter 5:7,8; 2 Corinthians 4:7-10; 2 Timothy 1:7; Ecclesiastes 4:9,10; Isaiah 54:17
When Nehemiah received reports from his brethren about the Jews still in captivity in Jerusalem—where the walls lay in ruins, the gates were burned, and the city was in shambles—his heart was deeply grieved. God’s chosen people were not only disheartened but also subjected daily to insults, shame, and great reproach. Because they had sinned against God, the Babylonian captivity had stripped them of their borders, language, culture, and, most importantly, their testimony for the Lord. Entire generations no longer knew Hebrew or the law of God and the prophets. While serving as cupbearer to King Artaxerxes some 900 miles away, Nehemiah prayed earnestly, and God granted him both a vision and the resolve to restore Jerusalem’s walls and gates, and, above all, to renew worship and instruct the people in God’s word through Ezra the priest. Nehemiah’s name means “Yahweh comforts,” and God raised him up for one of history’s greatest works of restoration and spiritual renewal.
Upon his arrival in Jerusalem, Nehemiah carefully inspected the damaged walls and presented his findings to the Jewish tribes, elders, nobles, and families. He formulated a comprehensive plan, organizing the rebuilding efforts and other restoration projects while also preparing to defend the city and its workers from adversaries such as Sanballat and Tobiah. These enemies employed mockery, insults, deceit, and even conspired to launch armed attacks under the cover of night to halt the work and disrupt the worship of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Despite these threats, Nehemiah’s steadfast trust in God and unwavering leadership prevailed. He continually sought divine protection, wisdom, and guidance, keeping the people united in their mission to build and defend the city. In every phase of the work, his leadership exemplified the truth of Isaiah 54:17: “No weapon formed against you will prosper.” Just like 2,500 years ago, today’s men of God—pastors, leaders, and servants—must stand firm in faith and purpose, knowing that some won’t follow, but those who do will receive the blessing. Others, however, will face God’s judgment and be revealed as false disciples, caught in their own traps and schemes, Proverbs 26:27.
