We continue our trip through the Bible with today’s reading from Nehemiah in which Nehemiah goes out under cover of darkness to inspect the walls of Jerusalem that had been destroyed by the Babylonian invasion.  More than a century before, Babylonians had conquered Judah and exiled many of its skilled and brightest people.  When the Persian king, Cyrus, finally defeated Babylon, he allowed the Jews to return to their homeland.  Nehemiah was not among the first to be released, but when he did return the Temple had been restored, yet the city was still in shambles.  Before he had asked to return to Judah, and after he got there, he was careful to consult God, and, having done so, then having seen the destruction, Nehemiah told the Jews around him about his conversations with God and said that together they should rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.  This informs us that a strong relationship with God is crucial, and such relationship results in our work, our service to building and rebuilding the world around us.   (NOTE: Reflecting the importance of the Word, the video begins with the scripture, but once it starts you can scroll back to the beginning of the service if you want.  The entire service is videoed.)