Nehemiah had the chance to see the king of Persia day by day because his job was to test and serve his drink. It was a prestigious but delicate task. Nonetheless, it could also give Nehemiah the chance to earn the king’s favor.
When Persia had conquered Judah, it happened that Nehemiah was among the Jews who were exiled. He was favored to serve as the king’s cupbearer in the palace. A time came when the king allowed the Jews to return to their homeland. But Nehemiah kept his job in the king’s palace.
A brother of his came to visit him one day, together with other fellows. He asked them how their brethren, the Jewish remnants, were doing. He asked what Jerusalem looked like by then.






Is it not disturbing when what you believe in does not match the way you live? But it is not disturbing at all if you are not even aware of it. Like when you say you believe in God and yet it is as clear as the sunshine that you are living in the dark. Like also when you say life is beautiful and yet misfortunes keep pouring on your lap. Indeed, there is a wide gap between belief and reality.