Studying the story of Ezra and Nehemiah today…that period of restoring unity, and renovating a desolated city….
Looking at the particular aspect of the Nehemiah story today, when he is on his horse at night surveying the ruins! Love that moment! Here is a man with a vision, who now has support from a king, sneaking around at night scouting out the broken gates of his beloved city. Great part in the plot of restoration and making things whole again!
What a poem: Nehemiah sneaking around on his horse at night observing the ruined gates of Jerusalem with a vision of restoration in his heart, which he hasn’t shared with the people yet.
A special private moment, which we get to overhear in the narrative, where restoration has been planted in the heart but not yet incarnated. Soon the priest will all join in, and the gates will begin to be restored, but in that moment, it is mere vision, and hope of heart.
Looking at that instant in the book of Nehemiah today, if you want to know. I relate to that instant in the grand drama.
Nice keyhole into our times today to come across again!