Key verse: Nehemiah 1:4, “So it was, when I heard these words that I sat down and wept, and mourned for many days.”
The word ‘compassion’ means ‘sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others.’
When Nehemiah enquired about the people, Hanani, among the brethren and certain men of Judah, explained about the situation in Jerusalem. The news was not an encouraging one. The ‘survivors’ (a word describing a group who has lost all their hope and peace) were in affliction (extreme anxiety) and reproach (constant disgrace) as the walls of Jerusalem were broken down and the gates were destroyed by fire.
The people had no one to protect them, felt unsafe and were prone to attacks from enemies. Or in other words, Jerusalem was plundered and nothing good was left there to be raided, or looted in war. The land was completely destroyed as the people disobeyed the law of the LORD.
How can a man mourn for many days? GOD saw the need for a leader in Jerusalem and HE found Nehemiah as the perfect person to transfer HIS burden. When GOD transferred HIS burden to Nehemiah, it broke him completely that he could not stop himself from crying. He was not merely crying but was praying for the restoration of Jerusalem.
Only a person of a compassionate heart can cry, when his brothers are in pain. Our hearts should be moved when we hear about the afflictions and reproach of our brethren. Cry out in the presence of the LORD and HE will answer our prayer.
Practical Living: Share in the affliction and pain of our brethren. Let’s open our hearts and ears to hear them and allow GOD to speak through us. Be a spokesperson of GOD. Let us be compassionate in serving others.
