Today Nehemiah deals with the flagrant violations of the Sabbath that was characterizing the Israelites upon his return as governor. Nehemiah’s actions give us occasion to consider two things: first, the relevance of the OT Sabbath law for us as the people of God and, second, the passion which Nehemiah demonstrates for the glory of God. This is the first of two sermons considering what Nehemiah’s actions and attitude teach us as Christians.