This past weekend at Eastbrook, we concluded our series from the book of Nehemiah entitled “Rebuild and Repair: Engaging the World with Nehemiah.” I preached a message entitled “From Exiles to Residents,” which gathered some themes of exile and belong from Nehemiah 7:1-73; 11:1-12:47; 13:1-31. In conclusion, I also referenced both Luke 15:11b-32 and Ephesians 2:12-13.
You can find the message outline and video below. You can access the entire series here. Join us for weekend worship in-person or remotely via Eastbrook at Home.
“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” (Ephesians 2:13)
From Exiles to Wanderers to Slaves to Residents to Exiles
Adam and Eve created to belong but ending up as exiles from the Garden
Abraham and Sarah wandering toward the promised land
The descent from Joseph’s day into enslavement in Egypt
The exodus with Moses and the beginnings of a new place with Joshua
The descent during the monarchy and the eventual exile of God’s people
From Exiles to Residents who Rebuild and Repair
Three movements of returning
The list of returning exiles (7:1-73)
The list of those who settle in Jerusalem (11:1-12:26)
The celebration and dedication of the wall of Jerusalem (12:27-47)
Residents with Exile Hearts
Distorted sacred spaces (13:4-9)
Distorted offerings (13:10-14)
Distorted sabbath (13:15-22)
Distorted relationships (13:23-27)
Distorted priesthood (13:28-31)
The exile heart
Making It Real for Us
The exile of Jesus on our behalf
Coming home to God through Jesus Christ
Living in Christ to rebuild and repair the world
Dig Deeper
This week dig deeper in one or more of the following ways:
- Memorize Nehemiah’s prayer: “Remember me for this also, my God, and show mercy to me according to your great love” (Nehemiah 13:22b).
- Take an extended time of prayer this week to let God search through your own “exile heart.” Ask God to reveal areas of your life that are not completely given over to God, that you may hold back from God, or that you are afraid to show to God. Ask God to speak to you about how face these things, perhaps writing thoughts down in a journal. Maybe you could share your reflections with a friend or mentor for perspective and guidance.
- Consider looking at one or both of these resources on the theme of exile:
- Exile: A Conversation with N. T. Wright, edited by James M. Scott
- The Way of Exile video by the Bible Project: https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/the-way-of-the-exile/
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Matthew Erickson 