The life of Nehemiah is a shining example of the type of life God can use for His glory. There was a great work accomplished and accredited to God in verse sixteen of chapter six. The first characteristic of Nehemiah that God reveals to us is Nehemiah's concern for those outside of his personal circle.
Ezra 1:2-4 Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. 3 Who is there among you of all his people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the LORD God of Israel, (he is the God,) which is in Jerusalem. 4 And whosoever remaineth in any place where he sojourneth, let the men of his place help him with silver, and with gold, and with goods, and with beasts, beside the freewill offering for the house of God that is in Jerusalem.
Nehemiah did not allow the fact that he was a part of the household of the king to blind him to the need of those who were not part of the household of the king. He inquires about those who are living in the city of Jerusalem. His concern for these people outside of his circle can be seen by his actions as he weeps and prays for the needs of the people.
What a challenge for every Christian today! It is easy to get so caught up in the struggles of life and those in our personal circles that we are blinded to the needs of everyone else around us. We must minister to the saints, but we must also minister the gospel to the lost. Like Nehemiah, we must see those who are not part of the household of the divine King as in need of the Saviour and see it as our responsibility to meet that need.
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