Prayer answered.
Three or four months bad passed since Nehemiah first heard of the distressed condition of his brethren at Jerusalem, and began to pray for them, and that he might be permitted to visit and relieve them. So long the answer to his prayer was delayed. But he doubtless continued to pray, and at length the answer came. Meanwhile, he would be able to ripen his plans, and prepare himself for his enterprise. Notice—
I. THE OPPORTUNITY AT LENGTH AFFORDED HIM. Arising from—
1. His access to the king.
2. The king's notice of his sadness and kind inquiry respecting it (verse 2). An example to superiors in relation to inferiors; to masters and mistresses in respect to their servants. The highest are liable to suffer, and may be glad of the sympathy and services of those beneath them, who will render them all the more cheerfully if kindness has been shown to them. God intends the relationships of life for mutual comfort and benefit. Sympathy benefits alike the giver and receiver. Sympathy is as oil to the machinery of life. It unites classes in bonds more sacred, happy, and lasting than laws or self-interest. Every one has it in his power, by cherishing and displaying it, to render invaluable service to society. Sympathy between employers and employed is one of the greatest wants of England.
3. His reply. Describing the sad condition of Jerusalem, and intimating its preciousness to him as "the place of his fathers' sepulchres" (verse 3).
4. The king's encouragement to him to present his request (verse 4). A kind word will do much to alleviate sorrow; a readiness to give practical relief more. The king encouraged Nehemiah to hope for this; nor was the hope disappointed.
II. THE USE HE MADE OF HIS OPPORTUNITY.
1. It filled him with fear (verse 2). The moment he had so long desired had come; but at first its arrival only made him "very sore afraid." So much depended on it; so uncertain was he of his power to produce the right impression on the king, whose will would determine whether his plan should be executed.
2. It led him to prayer (verse 4). As he stood before the monarch, embarrassed and trembling, he lifted up his heart to God, imploring assistance and success. The best thing he could do. Prayer calms the anxious (Philippians 4:6, Philippians 4:7), gives the soul possession of itself, brings God to the help of man. In the strength of God Nehemiah could address the king.
3. He presented his petition to Artaxerxes (verse 5). Humbly and courteously, as became him, and was best adapted to secure his object.
4. He made further and larger requests when the first was granted (verses 7, 8). The general lesson is, Seize your opportunities, whether for getting or doing good. "There is a tide in the affairs of men," etc. The impression made by a young man in a short interview may determine the complexion of the whole of his after life. Failure is often only lost opportunities avenging themselves. It is so not only in secular matters, but spiritual. "The golden moments in the stream of life rush past us, and we see nothing but sand; the angels come to visit us, and we only know them when they are gone" (G. Eliot).
III. HIS SUCCESS. The king not only granted him his requests, but gave him apparently more than he asked for (verse 9).
IV. HIS PIOUS ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF ITS SUPREME SOURCE. "According to the good hand of my God upon me" (verse 8). Many fail in this. Even those who have prayed for what they have received do not always make due acknowledgment. Thanksgivings are not so plentiful as prayers.
In conclusion, observe—
1. Christians always have access to the throne of the King of.kings. He feels deep interest in them, sympathy with them; encourages them to tell him their sorrows and present their petitions. They may come to him not only at stated periods, but at any moment, through the mediation of the Lord Jesus.
2. They should avail themselves of this privilege not only for their own advantage, but for the good of others. They should pray constantly "for the peace of Jerusalem," for the "good estate of the Catholic Church." God purposes and promises good to his Church, but enjoins prayer for what he has promised (see Ezekiel 36:37). Our Lord teaches us, in the model prayer he has given us, to pray first for the hallowing of God's name and the coming of his kingdom. Yet many Christians are selfish in their prayers, and thus nourish their selfishness.
3. They may ask for great things. He to whom they come is "able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think," and has done great things in answer to prayer.
4. Past answers to prayer should embolden to further and larger requests.