Kind of funny how this morning began. As I got up and went through my regular routine to shake away the cob webs (involves coffee!), I started to anticipate my readings for the morning . . . that I would be finishing the book of Nehemiah was in my thoughts almost as soon as I awoke. Even as I was pouring that cup of coffee, before I cracked the pages of my Bible, I started to feel the discomfort that I’ve felt before when coming to this last chapter of Nehemiah’s book. How come? Because of Nehemiah’s repeated petitions to God to “remember me.”

“Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and do not wipe out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God and for his service . . . Remember this also in my favor, O my God, and spare me according to the greatness of your steadfast love . . . Remember me, O my God, for good.” (Nehemiah 13:14, 22, 31 ESV)

It’s not the first time you encounter this type of prayer in Nehemiah . . . I kind of skimmed over it with a, “whatever,” back in chapter 5 . . .

“Remember for my good, O my God, all that I have done for this people.” (Nehemiah 5:19 ESV)

It’s always seemed a bit self-serving when I’ve read it in the past. Has had a ring about it that hasn’t sat quite right with me. Has bugged me because it seems so out of character with Nehemiah. Has caused me to wonder, “Is this a flaw in this man of God?” And so, even before reading this passage this morning, as the cob webs cleared, I think the Spirit was putting it on my radar and saying, “Time to resolve this conflict.”

Here’s the emerging resolution for me . . .

First, asking God to “remember” our works is simply acting in what we know to be true about God and is, in fact, consistent with His character and promises. The writer of the Hebrews says that God is not unjust and will not overlook our efforts on His behalf and the love shown towards His people by serving them for His sake (Heb. 6:10). When we do what God wants us to do, it’s actually more a prayer of belief and trust in the Master to ask Him to take note. I don’t think Nehemiah was trying to accumulate personal “brownie points” . . . not that he was seeking to be elevated in the ranks of the kingdom . . . but instead, he wanted his God to take joy in the obedience of His servant. It’s an acknowledgement that Nehemiah was just doing the Master’s bidding, that he was but a servant, graced by the King into His service, and simply discharging his duty. Remember me, O my God . . . I’ve sought to be faithful . . . I know you are God that takes delight in obedience . . . Be delighted!

Secondly, was Nehemiah simply seeking God’s continued blessing and grace upon the work begun? Not just in the rebuilding of the walls, that was the easy part, . . . but more importantly, the work begun in rebuilding the people? The idols were gone . . . temple worship restored to some measure . . . the Word of God rediscovered and being read and taught. Lot of good work had been accomplished, but “unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain” (Ps. 127:1). A lot of blood, sweat, and tears had gone into re-establishing Jerusalem. A lot of “straight talk” and “tough love” had been exercised in seeking to bring revival to the people of God. But it would be arrogant to think that whether or not it was sustaining was dependent upon man’s best efforts. Apart from God remembering Nehemiah’s work . . . apart from continuing grace . . . apart from the abiding hand of God . . . what had been a good restart would burn out . . . it wouldn’t last . . . it would crash and burn. Remember me, O my God . . . the work You’ve begun, complete it . . . it’s not by might, nor by strength, but by Your Spirit that the work is ultimately accomplished . . . I know that You are the Architect . . . You are the Master Builder . . . this is the work of Your hand . . . Be glorified!

Hmmm . . . should be interesting to see how I wake up to Nehemiah 13 next year . . .