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Both the evidence of Scripture and Church history reveals that when the character of God is manifested on earth Mankind benefits in innumerable ways, from the inner transformation of peoples' lives through the power of salvation to the stemming of the tide and influence of sin in society such that there is secular transformation. Whether it is the Biblical example of Joseph, Daniel or even Jonah, or the recent example of William Wilberforce, moments of Heaven 'coming' to earth are utterly transformational. After all, Jesus did say were are Light and Salt - Light that reveals the radiant Holiness of God from within us as Believers, but Salt too that is more than a display of God in us, it is very much a proactive agent here on earth both preserving and re-invigorating!
Now, before I say any more I want to explain my thoughts on 'the Greater Measures of God' ... In this, I simply mean the character and nature of God displayed on earth, ie. the Glory of God! God's Glory is such a vast subject, but I believe in its simplest definition it is when His character and nature is revealed/demonstrated through His people here on earth. For example, when His grace is manifest through the salvation of a person, His Glory is revealed; when His redemption/deliverance is revealed through a Believer writing off another person's debt, the glory is manifest; when the wholeness of God is made known through the physical healing of a body, glory is expressed; etc. His glory is much more than an experience; in fact, it begins with His Person!
It is critical to grasp that between the greater measures of God (His character and nature made manifest) and the good of Mankind is a company of people who are willing to pay the price personally and collectively to see His Presence transform a desperately needy world. Ezekiel 22:30 (cf Psalm 106:23) is a powerful example of what God is doing these days. The New Living Translation says it like this :'I looked for someone who might rebuild the wall of righteousness that guards the land. I searched for someone to stand in the gap in the wall so I wouldn't have to destroy the land, but I found no one.' Although we are very much the junior partners, God has always worked His redemptive plan out in Creation in partnership with His people. From Adam, to Abraham, to Moses, Joshua, David, Israel; and now, with the Church. His eyes continue to range throughout the earth seeking a company to respond to the heart of God for His glory and the betterment of society.
(Aside: it is important to note here that whatever is to the glory of God will always be for the good of Mankind!)
Here, I would like to present a brief case study of such a man who responded to the heart of God that resulted in the transformation of society. I do believe that Nehemiah is a model and type of the people that God is raising up in this day that will lay down their very lives for the betterment of people. I further believe that both Ezra and Nehemiah are accounts of apostolic authority revealing the intent of God in bringing both revival and reformation here on earth.
Without referencing the whole of Nehemiah I would like to make mention of a number of key matters in the first two chapters.
Nehemiah: A man who contended for the greater things for his people ...
1. He was a Man Moved (1:4)
i. God always searches for a person for His purposes.
ii. God is looking for a person with His heart. 'wept, mourned, ...' How do we gain His heart? Simply by knowing His thoughts, will and intent. Note Nehemiah's prayer content in vs 5, 7, 8-9. He knew God's intent and plan through His Word and was moved by His intent. So, GOD MOVES MAN! Every move of God is initiated by the heart of God. Every initiation through the leading of the Spirit is an invitation to His greater measures!
2. A Man who Moves (1:4-11)
i. Emotion (wept, mourned) is not enough to move the heart of God, only actions undergirded by faith does ... fasting and prayer. Emotion must mature into faith actions!
ii. Nehemiah's contending was firstly toward God. In a place of worship (where he was able to gain the heart and perspective of heaven) Nehemiah brought the intent and promises of God before His Throne of justice and mercy. Here it is essential to understand that God is moved by His nature alone, especially when it is reflected in the hearts of His people! I love that - as we reflect more of God as we approach Him, He is moved. This is seen in Moses' intercessory/mediatory contending before God on behalf of Israel in Numbers. Secondly, Nehemiah contended with people of lesser influence, namely Artexerxes. Nehemiah sort the favour of a king for the sake of his people. It is essential to understand that all earthly favour is the result of heavenly favour first!! Favour with God triggers favour with men and our first move is toward God before any move toward man. This is reflected in ch2 vs8 'And because the gracious hand of my God was upon me, the king granted my requests.'
3. A Man Positioned (1:11)
Nehemiah, as a mere cupbearer, was positioned in exile for the service of the King's intent. He was not merely marking time in exile, waiting for his return to his beloved Jerusalem. God had sovereignly set him up for His Majesty's service. This is exciting knowing that we are not randomly stationed where we are, but rather positioned. The word 'position' smacks of intent and purpose, and our position - no matter where in this life - is for service!
4. A Man whose fears were Subject to God's Intent (2:2,3)
I love this ... 'I was very much afraid, BUT ...' Every act of faith-filled obedience will require the overcoming of differing measures of fear. Faith is not the absence of fear; rather, it is the acting out of obedience to God's will in the face of fear! Fear is overwhelmed by Divine perspective in the place of worship and intimacy, and as we contend for the greater measures we need to drown out all face-value fears in the secret place! Again, the encouragement is that the king granted Nehemiah's request regardless of the fear.
5. A Man who multiplies His Heart (2:11-18)
The greater measures of God that transform society may begin with a person, but it is ultimately not God's plan. He is looking for a company of people with His heart for revival and reformation contending together for this impact. A pioneer needs to multiply himself lest there is the perpetuation of the one man show. All moves of God halt if this is the case.
In looking at the example of Nehemiah, and only in a few chapters, we can see something of the shape of a community that contends and facilitates the kingdom coming. We have the world's remedy in us - Christ the hope! It's time to respond to the promptings of the Father's heart and take increasing steps towards being a company of men and women who live to facilitate the Love and Life of God that changes the world around us! Here's to contending by His grace ...
