Take Your Place – Rebuild the Walls

When Nehemiah heard about the ruins

Nehemiah 1:3 (HCSB)

3 They said to me, “The remnant in the province, who survived the exile, are in great trouble and disgrace. Jerusalem’s wall has been broken down, and its gates have been burned down.”

The walls:

• The Walls and Their Significance:

• Represent more than physical protection.

• Symbolize the identity and strength of the city.

• Ancient Context:

• In the ancient world, walls reflected security and strength.

• A city without walls was vulnerable to external threats.

• Spiritual Implications:

• Broken walls symbolized more than structural issues.

• They represented the spiritual vulnerability of God’s people.

Gates:

• Significance of the Gate Ministry:

• Gates represented more than entry points; they symbolized spiritual authority, legal transactions, and protection.

• In biblical times, gates were places of authority, as seen in:

• Ruth 4:1 “Boaz went to the gate of the town and sat down there. Soon the family redeemer Boaz had spoken about came by. Boaz called him by name and said, “Come over here and sit down.” So he went over and sat down. (legal transactions).

• Proverbs 31:23 “Her husband is known at the city gates, where he sits among the elders of the land. (community decisions).

Where there is a physical devastation there is also a spiritual devastation and where there is spiritual devastation there is also physical devastation. They both are so intertwined to each other that we cannot separate them.

Walls in the Bible represent Salvation.

“Isaiah 60:18 captures this idea by describing the walls of God’s people as “salvation”: “Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise.” The broken walls of Jerusalem indicated that God’s people were not living in the fullness of His protection and provision.”

Now we understand how serious this verse is?

“Nehemiah 1:3 (HCSB) Jerusalem’s wall has been broken down, and its gates have been burned down” these words were not something normal but a very serious words

We have to remember this one very important thing that “Gods building of His house and kingdom together”

To answer the divine call one must return to God through repentance and prayer.”

God excites big things by using small people

“In the same way, God often places His people in specific roles and positions that seem ordinary but are, in fact, strategically aligned with His greater plan.”

“Throughout Scripture, we see that God often responds to the problems of His people by raising up individuals who are willing to partner with Him.

When God”

“wanted to create a family, He called Adam and Eve.

When humanity strayed, He called Abraham to lead them back.

When God sought to bring His people into a covenant relationship, He raised up Moses.

God’s response to the needs of His people is consistently through the appointment of leaders who can act as His representatives, empowered to carry out His divine purposes.”

Prophetic word: (while I was praying and preparing this message God gave me this prophetic word for you all)

“God prepares His leaders by positioning them exactly where they need to be to fulfill His purposes.”

So God placed you where you need to be. At the right church, under right leadership, the only thing you have to do is have faith and submit to what is God doing in your life. If God has placed you in this church then you have to build and rebuild the walls and the gates of this church till God sends you to another.

Everything will be alright Mentality.

We cannot live in “everything will be alright” mentality. If anyone who has this mentality they cannot become a leader.

What did Nehemiah do?

He never said that “everything will be alright one day” remember he was a cupbearer, a very ordinary man, but he positioned himself.

When Nehemiah positioned himself HE MOVED FROM HUMAN SORROW TO DIVINE PERSPECTIVE.

How did Nehemiah Position Himself?

Nehemiah 1:4 (HCSB)

4 When I heard these words, I sat down and wept. I mourned for a number of days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven.

(1) Prayer of Solidification:

Nehemiah’s response to the news of Jerusalem’s brokenness was to pray, but his prayer was not a quick, superficial petition. Instead, it was a prolonged period of fasting, mourning, and seeking God’s face. Nehemiah 1:4 tells us that Nehemiah “wept and mourned for days” and “fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.”

What did this extended time of prayer do?

“This extended time of prayer was crucial in aligning Nehemiah’s heart and mind with God’s purposes.”

The Words that Jerusalem walls had been burned down:

We need to understand one important thing here: Nehemiah was not concerned, but he was burdened.

The Difference Between Concern and Burden:

• Concern: A matter of worry or interest.

• Burden: A heavy responsibility.

Nehemiah had Not just any burden, but a deep burden. I would call it a solidifying burden.

How Can You Reach There?

“Nehemiah spent four months in prayer before God opened the door for action. This extended period of waiting allowed the burden to grow and solidify, anchoring Nehemiah’s resolve. In our own lives, when God places a burden in our hearts, He often uses time to refine it, ensuring that we are fully prepared to pursue the calling He has given.”

True Definition of Burden:

“The concept of a burden as a divine call is essential. Seeing a need does not necessarily mean we are called to meet it, but when God stirs a burden in our spirit, it becomes a divine summons.

Jeremiah 20:9 (KJV) But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones,

 reflects this experience, where Jeremiah describes God’s word as a ‘fire in my bones.’ This uncontainable fire is a characteristic of God’s call; it compels us, driving us to action beyond personal convenience.”

(2) Prayer of Appeal (also called Removing All Barriers Prayer):

We see that prayer is Nehemiah 1:5-11

“In his prayer, Nehemiah does not merely express sorrow; he confesses the sins of the people, acknowledging that their current state is a result of disobedience to God’s commandments. He confesses on behalf of the nation, aligning himself with their guilt and seeking God’s mercy. This confession underscores a fundamental principle:

‘Restoration begins with repentance.’

2 Chronicles 7:14 captures this truth:

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

What happened when Nehemiah prayed this prayer?

“By confessing the sins of the people, he removed any barriers that might hinder God’s blessing.”

(3) Prayer of Reliance:

Nehemiah 2:2-5 (HCSB):

2 So the king said to me, “Why are you sad, when you aren’t sick? This is nothing but depression.” I was overwhelmed with fear 3 and replied to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should I not be sad when the city where my ancestors are buried lies in ruins and its gates have been destroyed by fire?”

4 Then the king asked me, “What is your request?” So I prayed to the God of heaven 5 and answered the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor with you, send me to Judah and to the city where my ancestors are buried, so that I may rebuild it.”

“Even in the presence of the king, Nehemiah paused to pray, demonstrating his dependence on God in every step of the process. His prayer before responding to the king highlights an essential aspect of preparation: continual reliance on God’s guidance.”

Now what did these prayers do?

“God influenced the heart of the king.”

“The king not only granted Nehemiah’s request but also provided him with letters of safe passage and resources for the rebuilding effort. This unexpected provision underscores the power of divine favor.”

“When God calls us to a mission, He also provides the necessary resources and support to fulfill it.”

BUT IT ALL STARTS WITH RESPONDING TO GOD’S CALL AND PRAYING AND FASTING AND STEPPING IN FAITH.

(4) Faith with Strategic Planning Go Hand in Hand:

Many of us think that we fasted and prayed and then our part is over, and now from here God will do His part. But my friend, we need to understand that God never moves that way. See what Nehemiah did:

Nehemiah 2:6-9 (HCSB):

6 The king, with the queen seated beside him, asked me, “How long will your journey take, and when will you return?” So I gave him a definite time, and it pleased the king to send me.

7 I also said to the king: “If it pleases the king, let me have letters written to the governors of the region west of the Euphrates River, so that they will grant me safe passage until I reach Judah.

8 And let me have a letter written to Asaph, keeper of the king’s forest, so that he will give me timber to rebuild the gates of the temple’s fortress, the city wall, and the home where I will live.” The king granted my requests, for I was graciously strengthened by my God.

9 I went to the governors of the region west of the Euphrates and gave them the king’s letters. The king had also sent officers of the infantry and cavalry with me.

“He approached the king with a clear plan, requesting specific resources and permissions that would be essential for the project’s success. Nehemiah’s attention to detail and foresight illustrate the importance of strategic planning in accomplishing God’s work.”

“Nehemiah’s strategic planning included assessing the damage to Jerusalem’s walls and gates upon his arrival. Instead of immediately announcing his plans to the people, he conducted a private survey to understand the full extent of the work required.”

(5) Careful Assessment:

Nehemiah 2:13 describes this process:

“By night I went out through the Valley Gate toward the Jackal Well and the Dung Gate, examining the walls of Jerusalem, which had been broken down, and its gates, which had been destroyed by fire.”

“His careful assessment allowed him to formulate a realistic plan, ensuring that he was fully prepared to address the challenges ahead.”

While prayer and dependence on God are essential, effective leadership also requires practical wisdom and strategic thinking. Nehemiah’s example teaches us that being spiritually prepared does not negate the need for careful planning.

(6) Building Together

“Nehemiah 3 illustrates how every family, tribe, and individual worked together to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. From the priests to the goldsmiths, and even the perfumers, each person contributed their unique abilities to the work at hand. Nehemiah 3:28 highlights this collaborative approach, stating, “Above the Horse Gate, the priests made repairs, each in front of his own house.” This reveals God’s blueprint for community—when individuals unite with a shared purpose, the work becomes not only achievable but also enduring. God never calls lone rangers; He calls communities to labor in harmony for His kingdom.

Nehemiah 4:6 underscores the power of collective effort: “So we rebuilt the wall till all of it reached half its height, for the people worked with all their heart.” God’s vision for His church is to build it as one body, each part contributing to the whole. 

“The people entered into a covenant with Nehemiah, binding themselves to the work. This covenantal commitment parallels the example found in Joshua 24:24, where the Israelites commit, ‘We will serve the Lord our God and obey him.’ This sense of shared responsibility and mutual accountability is essential in any spiritual mission, as it creates a foundation of unity and perseverance, even in adversity.”

“In our own spiritual journeys, we too are called to rebuild—whether in our lives, our communities, or our churches. We are reminded that the God who called Nehemiah is the same God who calls us today. Just as He strengthened Nehemiah to overcome every obstacle, He equips us to rise, rebuild, and renew our commitment to His kingdom.”

What happens when we follow this

The walls and the gates are restored

(1) The Sheep Gate: Ministry to God’s People:

• First gate rebuilt (Nehemiah 3:1), symbolizing pastoral care and spiritual guidance.

        •        Designed for bringing in sacrificial sheep, representing ministry to God’s people

Prayer’s Role in Rebuilding the Sheep Gate:

Through prayer, the Sheep Gate is restored as we intercede for God’s people, seeking His wisdom, strength, and guidance for pastors and leaders. Prayer empowers shepherds to lead with compassion and unites the community in faith and love.

(2) The Fish Gate: Ministry to the World:

• After the Sheep Gate, Nehemiah’s next task was to rebuild the Fish Gate (Nehemiah 3:3).

Represents outreach and evangelism beyond the church walls.

        •        Historically used to bring in fish, symbolizing the call to “bring in the catch” for God’s kingdom.

        •        Reflects the flow of resources and connection between believers and the world.

Prayer in Rebuilding the Fish Gate:

        •        Ignites boldness and passion for outreach and evangelism.

        •        Opens divine opportunities to share the Gospel.

        •        Prepares hearts to receive the message of salvation.

        •        Strengthens the church’s efforts in reaching the lost effectively.

(3) The Old Gate: Ministry of Doctrine and Tradition:

“The rebuilding of the Old Gate (Nehemiah 3:6) by Nehemiah and his team represents the importance of sound doctrine and the unchanging truths of God’s

Represents the importance of sound doctrine and the enduring truths of God’s Word.

        •        Serves as a reminder to remain rooted in the unchanging foundations of scripture.

        •        Balances innovation in ministry with adherence to timeless biblical principles.

        •        Biblical Significance:

        •        Nehemiah 3:6 highlights its restoration as critical to the integrity of the wall.

        •        Jeremiah 6:16 calls believers to seek “ancient paths” and walk in God’s established ways.

        •        1 Peter 1:25 affirms that “the word of the Lord endures forever,” underscoring the eternal nature of scripture

Prayer in Rebuilding the Old Gate:

        •        Preserves the church’s doctrinal foundation through intercession.

(4) The Valley Gate: Ministry of Humility and Self-Examination

“The Valley Gate (Nehemiah 3:13)

examination in the believer’s life.

        •        Valleys symbolize reflection, trials, and closeness to God.

        •        Calls the church to prioritize honesty, repentance, and spiritual growth.

        •        Biblical Significance:

        •        Nehemiah 3:13 highlights the Valley Gate’s importance in the rebuilding process.

        •        Psalm 23:4 reassures believers of God’s presence and faithfulness during trials.

        •        Encourages trust in God’s guidance and reliance on His strength in vulnerable moments.

Prayer in Rebuilding the Valley Gate:

        •        Draws believers closer to God through humility and dependence.

        •        Encourages self-examination and repentance in the presence of God.

        •        Builds a foundation for accountability and spiritual growth in the church.

(5) The Dung Gate: Ministry of Cleansing and Purity

“The Dung Gate (Nehemiah 3:14) is perhaps one of the less celebrated gates in Nehemiah’s account, yet it holds a vital symbolic meaning in our walk with God. In the city of Jerusalem, the Dung Gate was designated for the removal of waste and refuse, ensuring that what was unclean would not remain within the city walls. Spiritually, this gate signifies the call to holiness, the act of ridding our lives and our churches of sin and impurity, and the continual process of confession and repentance that leads to spiritual renewal.”

Prayer’s Role in Rebuilding the Dung Gate:

Prayer enables the cleansing of sin and promotes purity within the church. Through confession and intercession, we experience spiritual renewal and open our lives to God’s sanctifying power.

(6) The Fountain Gate: Ministry of the Holy Spirit

“The Fountain Gate, as described in Nehemiah 3:15, symbolizes the vital ministry of the Holy Spirit, the source of life, renewal, and spiritual empowerment for the believer. In Jerusalem, the Fountain Gate led to a source of fresh water, essential for the city’s survival. In the same way, the Holy Spirit is essential to the believer’s spiritual health, bringing life, renewal, and strength to the church. Through this gate, we gain a profound understanding of the church’s dependence on the Holy Spirit, who is likened to a river of living water.”

Prayer’s Role in Rebuilding the Fountain Gate:

Prayer invites the Holy Spirit’s refreshing and empowering presence. As a praying community, we rebuild the Fountain Gate by seeking the Spirit’s guidance and strength to renew and empower the church.

(7) The Water Gate: Ministry of the Word

“The rebuilding of the Water Gate, as recorded in Nehemiah 3:26, holds profound significance in representing the ministry of the Word of God. In the physical city of Jerusalem, the Water Gate was close to a crucial source of water, reminding us of the essential nature of scripture, just as water is essential for physical life. In Ephesians 5:26, Paul speaks of Christ sanctifying and cleansing the church ‘by the washing with water through the word,’ emphasizing the power of God’s Word to purify and renew. The Water Gate symbolizes the indispensable role of the Word in the church, guiding, cleansing, and strengthening believers in their journey of faith.”

Prayer’s Role in Rebuilding the Water Gate:

Prayer illuminates scripture, enabling believers to understand, obey, and be cleansed by God’s Word. Through prayer, the church fosters a deeper connection with the truth of God’s Word.

(8) The East Gate: Ministry of Hope and Expectation

“The East Gate, as mentioned in Nehemiah 3:29, held a significant position within the walls of Jerusalem. Situated facing the Mount of Olives, it stood as a gateway of hope and expectation, symbolizing the coming glory and promise of Christ’s return. This gate represents the church’s ministry of anticipation, urging believers to live with a mindset focused on eternity. The East Gate calls us to remember God’s faithfulness, fostering a spirit of hope in our hearts as we await the fulfillment of His promises. As we explore the deeper meaning of the East Gate, we are reminded of the importance of living with an eternal perspective, grounded in the expectation of Christ’s return and the hope of God’s presence.”

Prayer’s Role in Rebuilding the East Gate:

Prayer stirs hope and expectation for Christ’s return, aligning our hearts with eternity. A praying church rebuilds the East Gate, fostering faith and encouraging believers to live with an eternal perspective.

(9) The Miphkad Gate: Ministry of Accountability

“The Miphkad Gate, also known as the Inspection Gate, represents the ministry of accountability and judgment within the community of believers. This gate, situated as one of the final gates in Nehemiah’s restoration, symbolizes a place of reflection, inspection, and accountability for God’s people. Throughout biblical history, the concept of accountability is emphasized as an essential part of a faithful community, one that promotes spiritual growth, alignment with God’s standards, and the integrity of the church. Accountability is critical to creating a healthy, transparent, and spiritually fruitful environment.”

Prayer’s Role in Rebuilding the Miphkad Gate:

Prayer strengthens accountability and integrity within the church. As we intercede, we invite God’s standard and guidance, creating a transparent and spiritually healthy community.

(10) The Enemy Opposition: The Attack on God’s Work

“In Nehemiah 4:1-3, we encounter the opposition from figures like Sanballat and Tobiah, who mocked the Jews’ efforts to rebuild Jerusalem. Opposition often arises when we are committed to following God’s purpose, and Nehemiah’s experience shows that obstacles are inevitable in God’s work.”

“Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that ‘our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.’ Nehemiah and his people were not merely rebuilding a wall; they were engaged in a spiritual battle for God’s purposes.”

Prayer’s Role in Overcoming Opposition:

Prayer equips the church to stand firm against spiritual attacks. Through united prayer, we strengthen God’s work, overcome obstacles, and fulfill His purposes despite opposition.