God’s salvation shalom is beyond our understanding, yet at the same time we are invited to witness and participate in all that God is doing to restore his world.

The restoration of God’s shalom shows up not only in God’s closeness to his people, but also in his people’s closeness to each other.

The prophets speak of God’s shalom as something which draws all people to himself; Jesus continues to draw people to himself today through his provision of shalom.

The prophets speak of God’s peace NOT as rest which comes apart from our places of wilderness, BUT as rest that comes even within our places of wilderness.

Nehemiah and Ezra make sure that the Word of God is not only a priority to be read and known, but that the people also prioritize their response to God’s Word; how can we plan a life of faith that responds to the Word of God?

All that was broken at Babel begins to find its restoration through the Holy Spirit.

Even as Nehemiah moved forward in faith and action, the needs of the people around him did not go ignored; Nehemiah shows us that communities of faithful obedience to God are also communities of justice and mercy.

Nehemiah faced obstacles while trying to put the vision of his faith into action; what can we learn from Nehemiah’s example in times when we too face obstacles in our life of faith?

Nehemiah had a vision of an ambitious plan for God’s people; it was essential for prayer to be the link which allowed Nehemiah to know the vision for God’s people and to act upon it.