For Kids · 4 min with a grown-up
Nehemiah is still sad about the broken city. Today he gets a chance to do something about it — if he can be brave enough to ask.
Today's Story
One day Nehemiah was serving the king his drink, and his face looked sad. The king noticed. “Why are you so sad?” he asked.
Nehemiah's heart pounded. He said a quick, quiet prayer to God. Then he spoke up. “The city of my family is broken,” he said. “Please, may I go and rebuild it?”
And the king said yes! He even gave Nehemiah wood and letters to keep him safe on the long trip.
When Nehemiah reached Jerusalem, he didn't rush in. For three quiet days he rested. Then one night, while everyone slept, he rode out on his donkey to look at the broken walls all by himself. He saw the cracked stones and the burned gates. Now he knew exactly how big the job was.
The next morning he gathered the people. “You can see the trouble we're in,” he said. “Come, let us rebuild the wall!” And the people answered, “Let's start building!”
A Big Word
Memory Verse
Talk About It
- Has there ever been a time you had to be brave and ask a grown-up for something? How did it feel?
- Nehemiah said a quick prayer right before he spoke to the king. When could you say a quick prayer like that?
- A big job is easier with friends. Who helps you when you have a big job to do?