Rise up and Build

The title is taken from Neh. 2:18. It is the response of the people to Nehemiah’s challenge to them in 2:17.  Nehemiah exhorted the people, “let’s rise up and build. And the people responded, “Let us rise up and build.”  The overarching theme is rebuilding. However, as the book of Nehemiah unfolds, it becomes clear that their task of rebuilding involves more than just walls.  Throughout his two extended visits to Jerusalem, we’ll see Nehemiah lead the people from vulnerability to security; from despair to hope; and from failure to faith.