Nehemiah 1 and 2 open with Nehemiah learning that Jerusalem is in a state of disrepair. He prays that God will forgive his family and people and will help him restore the sacred city. Nehemiah asks King Artaxerxes’ permission to go to Jerusalem and rebuild the city walls. He gets letters from the king to allow him safe passage and to procure supplies.

When Nehemiah reaches the city he inspects the walls and gates. He tells the local officials and religious leaders that God has brought him to Jerusalem and that they have the permission of the king. The leaders commit themselves to build the wall. The leaders of the neighboring nations are not happy with this development and try to discourage Nehemiah and the people of Jerusalem. Nehemiah says that God will give them success.

This is a retelling of the story we read in Ezra, but this time from Nehemiah’s point of view. We see how God is working in the lives of the faithful after their time of punishment. Even when we do wrong, we are not lost. God is always ready to bless us when we turn our hearts and lives back to him. There are always second chances with God.

Psalm 78:1-37 may or may not be an extension of Psalm 77. It is a continuation of the story of God and His people but the focus has changed from a prayer to God to an admonition of the people.  This psalm speaks of the judgment of God toward the people’s disobedience and his provision in the wilderness.

The psalm, which continues in a later reading, speaks of the fickleness of humanity. We accept what God give s us and turn around and continue to sin. If this happened in a human relationship we would give up on the friendship. But God never gives up on us. He is always there when we need him and humble ourselves.