How to Recognize a Real Man预览

Day Two – We Need to Rebuild Our Walls!

The Babylonian Empire had fallen to Cyrus the Great, King of Persia, putting the exiled Jews under Persian rule. But just one year later Cyrus made an unprecedented move. He released the Israelites, allowing them to return home for the purpose of rebuilding God’s temple.

Over forty thousand Israelites headed home, rolled up their sleeves, and took on the challenge of rebuilding the temple. Because of constant opposition, it took twenty-two years and two more kings!

So, does all this talk about a city and an ancient temple thousands of years ago relate to masculinity and men in the U.S. taking it back? Yes, it relates significantly! The people rebuilt the temple, but they didn’t rebuild the walls to protect what they had built.

Big mistake.

As the years passed, kings came and went, but the enemies of the Israelites living in Judah and around Jerusalem continued to plunder and defile the city. Sound familiar?

When we allow into our lives and families a culture’s ungodly ideology and things that God has told us clearly to drive out, the accompanying consequences will pop up and bite us when we are least expecting it, often to our own peril. The broken-down walls of Jerusalem were a symbol of the failures, hurt, and disobedience of Israel.

Yet Nehemiah showed up and led a revolution to rebuild from the ruins. We, like Nehemiah, can let God lead us to rebuild from the chaos and shame of our past and broken-down situations. The Holy Spirit will empower and comfort us as we bring comfort and protection to those entrusted to us. Let the Holy Spirit send you.