They read from the Book of the Law of God and clearly explained the meaning of what was being read, helping the people understand each passage. (Nehemiah 8:8)
Tucked away in the old book of Nehemiah is the first recorded revival. And of all places, the revival occurred at the Water Gate. According to Nehemiah 8:1, “All the people gathered as one person at the square which was in front of the Water Gate” (NASB). This would be the setting of the most exciting experience since the completion of the wall.
It is helpful to know that at this time there was a spiritual vacuum in the city. The wall reconstruction project had been completed and the people had moved into their own dwellings. Nehemiah 7 provides a detailed description of the organisational structure, which shows that the people had become well organised, well defended, and well governed. But in this community, even though its residents had nice homes and good jobs and were well protected, they still lacked something.
This illustrates a timeless truth: It is pointless to have a well-constructed superstructure if little or no life exists on the inside. This is not only true in the church; the same can be said of any organisation, Christian or secular.
Three factors ensured that the walls served their purpose.
- Fresh personnel. Evidently, both the Lord and Nehemiah knew that Ezra would do a better job at getting things going inside that wall than Nehemiah. Here is another example of entrusting the ongoing tasks of a project to others who are more adept and better qualified than the person at the top.
- Established truth. The Scripture was openly and boldly proclaimed. Often when success comes—whether in business or in the church—there is a tendency to operate on emotional highs (enthusiasm, good feelings) instead of using the “authentic fuel” of established truth. Remember that the first major thrust in a genuine revival is the proclamation of Scripture.
- Distinguishing between the means and the end. This is, essentially, a distinction between long-term and short-term objectives. The wall was merely a means to an end. Discerning leaders know the difference. They avoid tunnel vision, choosing to view the whole scene and not just their own contributions. They observe how the whole project fits into the grander scheme.
If you are careful to observe Nehemiah’s leadership, you will find a consistent theme: unselfishness. Unconcerned about having his name in lights, Nehemiah stepped aside and strengthened the overall project with fresh reinforcements. And as Ezra did his job, Nehemiah stood among the people applying the truth he heard proclaimed.
