Dark Horses: Overlooked Heroes - Day 06
Day 06 - Monday, July 01
Read Nehemiah 1
Highlight
Nehemiah's story is part of a larger narrative of the return of the Israelites from exile and the rebuilding of Jerusalem. The book of Nehemiah, along with Ezra, chronicles the efforts to restore the community and the city, emphasizing themes of renewal, repentance, and God's faithfulness. Nehemiah was a cupbearer to King Artaxerxes of Persia, a position of significant trust and influence. As a cupbearer, his primary role was to ensure that the King’s food and drink were safe. This was a position of importance, but not one that typically involved leadership or governance. In addition, despite his high-ranking position in Persia, Nehemiah was not a prophet, priest, or king—roles typically associated with leadership in Israel.
Nehemiah’s story begins with him receiving distressing news about the state of Jerusalem and its walls. The city was in ruins, and the people were in great distress and disgrace. This news deeply troubled Nehemiah, leading him to fast and pray about how God might use him to make a difference for his people. Nehemiah was in Susa, the capital of Persia (modern day Iran), far removed from Jerusalem. His concern for a city he had likely never seen firsthand shows a deep sense of identity and responsibility for his people. Nehemiah took the initiative to seek God's guidance and then boldly approached the king with a request to leave his comfortable position and undertake a challenging mission.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying about God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth? Who could you share this story with and how God is speaking to you about it this week?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8).
Read Nehemiah 1
Highlight
Nehemiah's story is part of a larger narrative of the return of the Israelites from exile and the rebuilding of Jerusalem. The book of Nehemiah, along with Ezra, chronicles the efforts to restore the community and the city, emphasizing themes of renewal, repentance, and God's faithfulness. Nehemiah was a cupbearer to King Artaxerxes of Persia, a position of significant trust and influence. As a cupbearer, his primary role was to ensure that the King’s food and drink were safe. This was a position of importance, but not one that typically involved leadership or governance. In addition, despite his high-ranking position in Persia, Nehemiah was not a prophet, priest, or king—roles typically associated with leadership in Israel.
Nehemiah’s story begins with him receiving distressing news about the state of Jerusalem and its walls. The city was in ruins, and the people were in great distress and disgrace. This news deeply troubled Nehemiah, leading him to fast and pray about how God might use him to make a difference for his people. Nehemiah was in Susa, the capital of Persia (modern day Iran), far removed from Jerusalem. His concern for a city he had likely never seen firsthand shows a deep sense of identity and responsibility for his people. Nehemiah took the initiative to seek God's guidance and then boldly approached the king with a request to leave his comfortable position and undertake a challenging mission.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying about God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth? Who could you share this story with and how God is speaking to you about it this week?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8).
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