Recap Sermon Notes | 48 Laws Of Power | Law 3 | Concealing Intentions Without Lying

Sermon Title: “Discerning the Right Time: Nehemiah’s Wisdom in Concealing Intentions”

Introduction – Parable of the Patient Farmer

A parable is told of a patient farmer who, unlike his neighbors, did not plant his crop at the first signs of spring. He watched the weather, tested the soil, and waited until the conditions were perfect. While the others laughed, eager to plant early, he waited until he was sure of the season’s stability. When the final frost came, his neighbors' crops were ruined, but his, planted at the right time, flourished. The farmer's wisdom lay in patience and understanding that the right timing brings a greater harvest.

This principle resonates with the biblical figure Nehemiah. When he heard about the devastation of Jerusalem’s walls, he felt sorrow and urgency. Yet, instead of rushing to reveal his intentions, Nehemiah waited patiently, seeking God’s guidance, and only when the right moment came did he reveal his plan to rebuild the walls. This careful timing allowed him to succeed in a situation filled with challenges and potential opposition.

Scripture Reading: Nehemiah 2:1-5 (KJV)

"And it came to pass in the month Nisan, in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that wine was before him: and I took up the wine, and gave it unto the king. Now I had not been beforetime sad in his presence. Wherefore the king said unto me, Why is thy countenance sad, seeing thou art not sick? this is nothing else but sorrow of heart. Then I was very sore afraid, And said unto the king, Let the king live for ever: why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers' sepulchres, lieth waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire? Then the king said unto me, For what dost thou make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven. And I said unto the king, If it please the king, and if thy servant have found favour in thy sight, that thou wouldest send me unto Judah, unto the city of my fathers' sepulchres, that I may build it."

Point 1: The Power of Patience and Preparation

When Nehemiah heard the news of Jerusalem’s ruins, his immediate reaction was grief. But rather than rushing to act, he first went before God, fasting and praying for months (Nehemiah 1:4). He did not share his plans immediately, instead choosing to seek God’s guidance on timing.

• Scripture Cross-Reference: Proverbs 16:1 (KJV)

  "The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the Lord."

Nehemiah’s story illustrates Proverbs 16:1, showing us that God is the one who ordains the right time to speak and act. By preparing his heart before God, Nehemiah was equipped not only with a plan but with divine wisdom on when and how to approach the king. In our own lives, we often feel urgency, but we must remember that preparation and patience allow God to guide us to the right moment for action.

Point 2: Revealing Plans with Discretion

When the right time came, Nehemiah showed discretion in sharing his plan. His careful, humble approach to the king showed respect, courage, and wisdom, as he only revealed his intentions when the king asked him about his sorrow.

• Scripture Cross-Reference: Ecclesiastes 3:7 (KJV)

  “A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak.”

Nehemiah knew the importance of “a time to keep silence, and a time to speak,” as Ecclesiastes 3:7 says. By waiting until the king noticed his sadness, Nehemiah created a natural opening. God used this moment to soften the king’s heart, so that Nehemiah’s request was received with favor. If Nehemiah had been impatient, rushing to speak, he might have missed the king’s readiness to listen. His discretion allowed God’s timing to unfold perfectly.

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Point 3: Acting with Purpose and Precision

After gaining the king’s approval, Nehemiah traveled to Jerusalem, but he didn’t immediately announce his plans. He first inspected the city’s walls at night to assess the true state of the ruins (Nehemiah 2:12-16). By concealing his intentions initially, he avoided stirring unnecessary alarm or opposition.

• Scripture Cross-Reference: Proverbs 21:5 (KJV)

  "The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want."

This verse, Proverbs 21:5, highlights how careful planning leads to abundance, while haste often leads to failure. Nehemiah’s decision to survey the walls discreetly allowed him to fully understand the task ahead before sharing his plan with others. His diligence and precise timing laid the foundation for success. In our lives, purposeful action grounded in careful planning often brings God’s blessing, while haste may lead to unnecessary challenges.

Point 4: Revealing the Vision at the Right Time

After inspecting the walls, Nehemiah finally shared his vision with the people of Jerusalem, rallying them to join in the rebuilding effort (Nehemiah 2:17-18). By waiting until he fully understood the situation and had the king’s support, Nehemiah inspired confidence and unity among the people.

• Scripture Cross-Reference: James 1:5 (KJV)

  "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."

Nehemiah’s wisdom in waiting to share his vision came from his reliance on God. As James 1:5 teaches, he asked God for wisdom in how to proceed, and God granted it to him abundantly. When we seek God’s wisdom, He provides guidance on the right time to speak, the right words to say, and the right way to inspire others. Nehemiah’s patience and trust in God empowered him to lead the people effectively, transforming a vision into a reality.

Conclusion: Jesus – The Perfect Embodiment of Timing and Purpose

Nehemiah’s life points us to Jesus, who perfectly exemplified the wisdom of discerning the right time to act. Throughout His ministry, Jesus moved according to the Father’s timing, often saying, “My hour is not yet come” (John 2:4). He waited patiently for the right moment to reveal His identity, His mission, and ultimately, to go to the cross.

• Scripture Reference: John 7:6 (KJV)

  "Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your time is alway ready."

Jesus understood that there is a perfect time for every purpose under heaven. He waited to reveal Himself fully, even when others wanted Him to act sooner. By following God’s timing, He fulfilled every prophecy and accomplished salvation for humanity. In John 7:6, Jesus reminds us that His timing is different from ours. Just as Nehemiah waited for the right time to reveal his plans, Jesus perfectly demonstrated patience, acting in accordance with God’s will.

Final Reflection

As we reflect on Nehemiah’s life, let us learn to seek God’s timing, trusting that He will guide us on when to act and when to wait. Like the farmer in the parable, we must understand that a season of patience and preparation often brings a greater harvest than acting hastily. Nehemiah’s story reminds us to lean on God for discernment in all things, and Jesus shows us the ultimate example of perfect timing, fulfilling God’s plan for redemption with wisdom and obedience.

May we pray for the patience, wisdom, and faith to follow God’s timing, allowing Him to reveal His purpose through us in the right season.