Nehemiah 4&5
How to Stop God's People
In the book of Nehemiah the people of Israel are engaged in rebuilding the wall surrounding Jerusalem.
In Chapter 4 we read of the opposition of Sanballat and Tobiah who despised and mocked the people. But the people could not be stopped for they were doing a great work for God (6:3). Sanballat and Tobiah resorted to threats but the people set up watches and defenses while they carried on the work. With the added burden of defending themselves they became exhausted and discouraged but Nehemiah kept them focused on the Lord and God frustrated the plans and threats of Sanballat and Tobiah.
One would think all was well but suddenly in Chapter 5 we find that the work did stop. Like Balaam who could not curse Israel, Sanballat and Tobiah were unable to stop the forward progress of rebuilding the wall, but there was something that stopped the rebuilding of the wall. It was the sin of the people. There were those who were serving the idol of greed (Colossians 3:5). They were taking advantage of the tough economic conditions of the times and enslaving the people. The number of poor people was growing while the rich were getting richer. So the people cried out to Nehemiah, the servant of God and leader of the people. He stopped the work and said these words to those who were exploiting the people.
“The thing which you are doing is not good; should you not walk in the fear of our God because of the reproach of the nations, our enemies?” 5:9 NASB
This “Godly” nation looked anything but Godly. Their witness in the world was powerless and becoming worthless. (See Deuteronomy 4:5-9)
As I think of our present political situation and our nation, I think the words of Nehemiah 5:9 are as applicable today as they were in his day. Are we as believers truly walking as believers in God? Are our actions and life style truly a reflection of what we say we believe? The reality is that our actions do reflect what we truly believe.
What did Nehemiah do when opposition came?
In 4:4-5 he prayed. In 4:9 he prayed and encouraged the people. In 4:14 he encouraged the people. In 4:19-23 he implemented a plan. But in 5:9 he called the people to repentance.
Is it time for we as Christians to humble ourselves and pray, seek the Lord's face, and put our hope in Him rather than what we have been doing or trusting in? Have we not slipped into the ways of the world rather than the ways of God? Is not our greatest concern ourselves? Are we the witness God talks about in Deuteronomy 4:5-9?
When Sanballat and Tobiah were threatening the people Nehemiah said this, “When I saw their fear; I rose and spoke to the nobles, the officials, and the rest of the people: ‘Do not be afraid of them: remember the Lord who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives and your houses.’” 4:14 NASB
The real battle that stopped the construction and silenced their witness was a battle from within. If we are to make a change that will make a difference this is where we need to start. Here are some verses to consider if you are ready to “fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives and your houses.”
Romans 12:1&2
Hebrews 4:12
2 Corinthians 10:1-6
James 1:22
Colossians 3 1-4
1 John 1:5-10
May the Lord Bless and Guide
Pastor Dave