First Presbyterian Church of Evanston Sermon of the Week

More than a wish for utopia, the prophet’s words envision a time of true Shalom when through the power of God’s Messiah, the world will be in full accord with God’s purposes.

Isaiah helps us set our hearts on God. The key is not just what we believe but what we value. Prophetic eyes look beyond the world as it is now to a new world in the future. He is saying to us, "Relocate your happiness in the future, in a world that doesn’t exist yet except in the promise of God."

The shepherds of Israel--prophets, priests, kings--were all behaving badly. God rescues his people by appointing a good shepherd. This messianic promise anticipates the coming of Jesus as the true Prophet, Priest and King.

In response to the completion of the project the people are careful to give glory to God and to remember the Book of the Law.

Certain unfair practices within the community resulted in mistreatment of the poor and the weak. Nehemiah did not ignore such cries but urged the rich and the strong to show compassion for the vulnerable among them.

The people of God as a whole and not just the leaders are vital for accomplishing God’s work. All of God’s people worked together to accomplish the rebuilding project.

In every great work opposition will inevitably arise, seeking to distract or discourage those who work. Nehemiah shows how to face opposition while staying on task.

Change is always a series of small steps that eventually result in meaningful change.

By himself, Nehemiah did not have the resources, or the influence to act on his concern for the city of Jerusalem. He needed support and partners to accomplish the work.

Far from being a cop out in the face of great need, fasting and prayer humbles the soul and raises a sense of compassion and solidarity for broken people and broken places.