Shocked and brokenhearted when he learns of the condition of his homeland, Nehemiah is driven to his knees to pray for his native Judah. Jerusalem’s wall is in ruins. Drought has destroyed the crops. People can’t work and are starving.
On This Foundation, the third book in Lynn Austin’s newest series, The Restoration Chronicles, is the artful tale of Nehemiah’s life during a period in biblical history that seems painstakingly familiar. Within the pages readers will find a political tale that bears truths for today.
Having lived a life of luxury, Nehemiah finds favor with King Artaxerxes of Persia when the source of his sorrow is made known. To his surprise, the king appoints him the new interim governor of his homeland. A political outsider with only business success on his resume, Nehemiah travels to Jerusalem to try and save his beloved country. Taxes are exorbitant. Crime is rampant. Deceit colors the truth. He has managed the affairs of a palace, can he steady the reins of a nation in trouble?
Brash and outspoken, Nehemiah’s ideas seem radical. He is besieged by skepticism and lack of trust. Foreign leaders don’t like his intrusion for they have skillfully manipulated internal trade deals for profit. The wealthy Jewish landowners have disregarded the teachings of the Torah and are using their fellow Jews for gain. Threats are made on Nehemiah’s life and plots to undermine his efforts are planned in secret. Adversaries lurk everywhere.
With his heart lifted to God and his resolve firmly in place, Nehemiah presses on and finishes the Jerusalem wall in record time. He rallies the masses and restores the country’s ability to thrive. God uses an unlikely hero with a faithful heart to change the course of a nation.
Well-written, with careful attention to detail, On This Foundation is a story which will challenge every reader’s thinking. The Restoration Chronicles series is available at your local bookstore, Amazon books, and at Christian Book Distributors.
