Jesus is coming back! And when He does, He will rid this world of all evil!
Some Bible books just read like a gripping action novel, there’s an impossible mission, suspense, good guys, bad guys and the entire story keeps you gripped. Nehemiah is one of those books.
Nehemiah is the hero who receives a mission from God to rebuild the city walls of Jerusalem. Under constant threat, despite limited resources and while dodging schemes of their enemies, (spoiler alert!) Nehemiah and his people managed to rebuild the wall in six months!
There are many parallels between the story of Nehemiah and that of Jesus.
Nehemiah worked at the king's court, a place of honour and comfort, which he chose to leave to help his people, whom he heard were suffering. In the same way, Jesus came down from heaven, a place of honour and glory, to come and save mankind.
Where earlier governors had exploited the poor and burdened them with heavy taxes, Nehemiah helped the poor and eased their burden (Nehemiah 5:14-16). Similarly, Jesus invites us:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30 NIV
Nehemiah resembles Jesus in his servant leadership, easing burdens, lifting oppression and setting people free.
After he completes the work on the wall, Nehemiah remains in Jerusalem for 12 years, where he works as a just and righteous governor over the area. He then leaves Jerusalem to go back and work for the king. However, Nehemiah comes back to Jerusalem a second time, and when he does, he comes to rid the city of evil. He clears out the temple, purifies its rooms and restores the house of God (Nehemiah 5:14-16 and Nehemiah 13:6-9).
Jesus is coming back too! And when He does, He will rid this world of all evil!
He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. – Revelation 21:4 NIV
Isn’t that a great prospect?
