Continuing with my series on who really IS THE BOSS in our workplaces, today I want to place before the readership one more instance in the Scripture, where the good Lord has influenced the authorities to look favourably upon His loved ones’. Here we go…
Palace
Now why is the Royal wine-taster (hey, wine is supposed to bring joy in OT times –Isaiah 24:11– in NT times, however we have something better-John 16:24) whining with his sulky mood before the hulky Persian Emperor at a great risk? Mind you, there was “no room for depression” in the Royal Persian palace (Esther 4:2). Historically speaking the Persians had displaced the Babylonians as the World Super power (for more on the all the World super powers, you may leisurely later on, access my PPT on the Book of Revelation available on this link… http://www.jandsmministries.com/rev_pre.asp slide nos 24 to 26 to be more precise)!!! In the midst of all these changes in the Power equation welcome to the deeply touching, inspirational, Nehemiah’s historical wall building story! Ever wondered where the foundation for this epochal civil project was laid? Let the Scripture take over…
“So the king asked me, ‘Why are you looking so sad? You don’t look sick to me. You must be deeply troubled.’ Then I was terrified, but I replied, ‘Long live the king! How can I not be sad? For the city where my ancestors are buried is in ruins, and the gates have been destroyed by fire.’ The king asked, ‘Well, how can I help you?’ With a prayer to the God of heaven, I replied, ‘If it please the king, and if you are pleased with me, your servant, send me to Judah to rebuild the city where my ancestors are buried.'” (Nehemiah 2:2-5)
Rest as they say is history. Fast forward to 2:9 it says, not only the King heeded Nehemiah’s request but had sent along army officers and horsemen to protect him in his journey to Jerusalem! Fast forward further to 6:15…you come to the heady climax… “So on October 2nd the wall was finished-just fifty-two days after we had begun.” (Hey, October 2nd is very close to every Indian’s heart too for obvious reasons). HALLELUJAH!
Folks, on the subject of foundation-laying, I hope, you have not missed the obvious! IT ALL BEGAN WITH A PRAYER TO THE GOD OF HEAVEN. Before Nehemiah petitioned his boss… the Persian Monarch, he petitioned the Monarch of them all!!! No wonder, everything fell into place.
Prayer: O Lord, we love thee and love thee for seeing your hand at work time and again, when it comes to influencing our bosses at workplace. We praise thee, once again in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Yours in His service,
Suresh Manoharan
(To access the entire “Yes, Boss!” mini-series, please click here.)