NBC SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON FOR APRIL 18, 2021 : TOPIC – NEHEMIAH: REBUILDER OF A NATION.
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SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON FOR YOUR PREPARATION
NBC SUNDAY SCHOOL OUTLINE
Date: Sunday, 18th April, 2021.
TOPIC: NEHEMIAH: REBUILDER OF A NATION.
Devotional Reading: Daniel 9:4-6, 15-19.
Background Scripture: Nehemiah 2:11-20; 3:1-22.
Lesson Scripture: Nehemiah 2:11-20.
GOLDEN TEXT:
Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.” Nehemiah 2:17
OBJECTIVES:
By the end of the lesson, class members should be able to:
• Discuss Nehemiah’s motivating factor to rebuild the fallen walls of Jerusalem;
• Explain the importance of nation building:
• State the role of Christians in nation building
INTRODUCTION:
Sometime ago, I listened to the testimony of a deacon who narrated how God used a young man to renovate a Baptist church in his village. According to the deacon, the church, which was founded in the early 60s was abandoned for years while the pastorium was already overgrown with weeds. No pastor was ready to stay in the remote village, particularly in the old and dilapidated building. One day, the Governor of the state and his entourage passed through the village, during their electioneering campaign with a former member of the church, who happened to be in the entourage. The site of the church made him sad, especially when he remembered his Sunbeam and Royal Ambassador activities in the church while he was young. Instantly, he resolved in his heart to do something memorable. Having prayed, he sought help from the Governor to rebuild the church. Eventually, the church as well as the pastorium were reconstructed with modern facilities. Furthermore, he facilitated the call of a pastor with a promise of financial support on monthly basis. From then, true worship began again in the church.
Today’s lesson focuses on Nehemiah, the King’s cupbearer and his concern for rebuilding the fallen walls of Jerusalem, even though he was far from his homeland. His pattern of nation building and how he successfully handled opposition until he accomplished the task remains remarkable in the history of Israel. Invariably, the importance of nation building, as believers, cannot be overemphasised. We must all rise to the challenge of rebuilding our nation, churches and families so that God’s name will be glorified.
THE LESSON EXPLAINED.
A. NEHEMIAH’S SECRET INSPECTION: [Nehemiah 2:11-16]
The Jews in exile in Babylon had started to return to Jerusalem in 538BC, when Cyprus was emperor of Persia. When Nehemiah heard of the difficulty encountered by those who survived, the broken walls and its gates, he sat down and wept (Nehemiah 1:2-4). Then he fasted and began to pray to God for favour. In chapter 2, he found favour in the sight of King Artaxerxes who gave approval for his journey to Jerusalem. Nehemiah travelled to Jerusalem and for three days, he did not mention his plan to anyone _ what God had inspired him to do. At the middle of the night, he made a secret personal tour with his companions round the city. He inspected the level of damage of the walls and gates that had been destroyed by fire. The damage was so severe that even his donkey could hardly find its way through the rubbles (v. 14b). According to verse 16, the local officials did not know his whereabouts and what he was doing, not even his fellow Jews (the priests, leaders and officials) who will be taking part in the work. Nehemiah probably kept his plans secret so that he will not be preoccupied with other things and be discouraged.
It should be noted in the passage that Nehemiah’s concern for his people and the city of Jerusalem outweighed his self-interest. Even though he was in Susa as the King’s cupbearer, he showed much concern for the fallen walls of the great city, Jerusalem and was moved with passion to rebuild it. Obviously, he was motivated to rebuild the city Walls and gates because of its significance to the people of Israel. Apart from the fact that the wall was to safeguard the city, it was also meant to keep the spiritual heritage of Israel. Nehemiah displayed the wisdom of God in the planning and execution of the project. He spent three days planning now to rebuild the wall without disclosing his mission to anyone. He also inspected the extent of the damage, the disgrace it had brought to the entire city and probably the insecurity they had been exposed to. As believers, God expects us to use our stewardship of influence to promote Kingdom business. We should be ready to lead by example, like Nehemiah in order to accomplish Gods purpose for the betterment of the society.
DISCUSSION TIME:
1. Why did Nehemiah choose to keep his mission to Jerusalem away from people, even his fellow Jews?
2. Discuss the advantages of careful planning before embarking on any project.
B. NEHEMIAH’S WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT TO BUILD: [Nehemiah 2:17-18]
Nehemiah did not disclose his proposed building plan of the fallen walls and gates of Jerusalem to anyone, not even his fellow Jews who would be taking part in the work. But finally in verse 17, he shared his concern with them about the wreckage of the Jerusalem walls and how the gates had been burnt by fire. Thereafter, he humbly requested for their cooperation in rebuilding the walls. He said, “Come, let us build the walls of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.” He encouraged the people to rise up to the challenge of building the fallen walls and gates on two grounds: So that they (himself and the Israelites) will put an end to their disgrace as well as testify of God’s favour in the sight of King Artaxerxes who granted him everything he needed for the success of the work (v. 8). The climax is the response of the people to Nehemiah’s encouragement. Their readiness to cooperate with Nehemiah in the project was made known. Unanimously, they said to him, “Let us start building.” Immediately, they began the work (v. 18).
Undoubtedly, Nehemiah was an exemplary leader. He did not detach himself from Israel’s predicament neither did he castigate the leaders for disobeying God’s command. Rather, he identified with them and was willing to embark on the project thus he encouraged and made them see the urgency of the work. On the other hand, the people demonstrated spiritual maturity, having heard Nehemiah’s call for support. They made up their minds to rise up and build so that they will no longer be in disgrace. Nehemiah’s style of leadership should serve as motivation to Christian leaders. They should learn to identify with their people, especially in times of difficulty and encourage them to trust God for success instead of putting up “holier than thou” attitude. It is also important to know that God-given visions require the help of other people to accomplish them.
DISCUSSION TIME:
1. Discuss the impact of team work in accomplishing God-given visions.
2. Discuss the role of Christians in rebuilding our nation Nigeria.
C. NEHEMIAH MEETS OPPOSITION: [Nehemiah 2:19-20]
Nehemiah had enjoyed the favour of God in the sight of King Artaxerxes as well as the people’s support to rise up and build the walls of Jerusalem. However, they faced opposition from Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official and Geshem the Arab. They made mockery of them when they heard of their plans to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. They despised them and said, “What is this you are doing?” “Are you rebelling against the king?” In other words, Nehemiah’s plan to rebuild the walls and gates of Jerusalem was seen as an attempt to have an independent kingdom that will interfere with their lucrative spice trade. Interestingly, Nehemiah ignored their scorn by remaining resolute about his vision (v. 19). He declared his confidence in the Lord the God of heaven will prosper them, irrespective of the threat from the opposition. He concluded that since they refused to get involved in what God was doing, they had no heritage or memorial in Jerusalem.
Even today, some people still stand in opposition to the spread of the gospel message. They devise different means in order to stop God’s Word and work. This lesson should serve as a reminder that whenever God gives an assignment, He provides the necessary support to get the work done, notwithstanding the threat from opposition. Nehemiah completed the work in 52 days, on the 25th day of the month of Elul, despite the opposition he faced (Nehemiah 6:15). Therefore, we should not give in to the enemies in their attempt to discourage and frustrate our efforts in the service of God. The admonition is that we should be strong in the faith, resolute in our commitment and be sure of good success.
DISCUSSION TIME:
1. What should be the response of Christians to those who oppose the work of God in our contemporary time?
2. Discuss the fate of people who willingly oppose the work of God.
Fellowship and Ministry Building Activity:
• Class members should agree on a time they will use their vacation to do short-term mission work or support another church project, either in their Association or Conference.
TAKE HOME:
• Believers should not downplay the role of teamwork.
• We should be concerned about the progress of God’s work and not the opposite
• Good planning is one of the strategies for success.
• Christians should not stand in opposition to God’s work.
• Success can be achieved even in the face of persecution.
• We should be willing to do God’s work with the assurance of success.
Remain Inspired & Be Lifted!