Resuming God’s MissionComing to Christ means entering into his rest. We take his easy yoke upon us and bear his light burden (Matt 11:29). However, a few chapters later (Matt 16:24-25), Jesus told his disciples:
If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.Coming to Christ and following him involves resting and cross-bearing.
The Jews were given permission to return to Israel, but many remained in exile and those who did return found the place in shambles. The first returnees rebuilt the altar and the temple, but their work ceased when they began working on the wall. Artaxerxes had put a stop to the work because of an accusation that they were a rebellious people. However, just over a decade later, God changed the heart of the king to send his cupbearer, Nehemiah, back to Jerusalem to oversee the project and ensure that the walls were completed.
At the beginning of chapter four, Nehemiah follows a pattern that details the actions of his opposition followed by a combination of prayer and action. Last week we noted how Sanballat and Tobiah intensified their opposition by increasing their rage and audience. Nehemiah responded with a strong prayer for the Lord to punish them in their wickedness. But the builders continued to work at a steady pace.
Not only did the opposition escalate their intensity, but they also multiplied their number by adding the Ashdodites to the coalition. This time people prayed together and decided to setup a guard 24/7. The opposition planned a secret attack to which Nehemiah responded by stationing the builders with their families along the weakest areas of the wall with their weapons in hand. He encouraged them to “Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.”
Notice their outlook from v.10. They had become discouraged, believing the lies and jeers of their opposition. It wasn’t as if these builders were some heroic lot who stood strong and steadfast. They were fearful and doubtful. But they continued to build the wall because they continued to trust a faithful God!
The work had experienced a setback. They were forced to slow down in order to deal with the dangerous threat. The severity of their situation demanded a response, but it did not put an end to their mission. With only half of the wall completed, they were anxious to get back to rebuilding. At the same time we also know the lingering effects of doubt and frustration from the ongoing threat of the opposition. How would they respond?
Nehemiah leads them back to the project with a defense strategy that would also provide them with the assurance of protection that they needed in order to keep their focus on the work.
Fear and doubt oftentimes prevents us from doing the work that God has clearly called us to accomplish. Like these builders, we need to focus on the reliability of the God that we serve, rather than the strength of our opposition. However, we should not ignore the threats that are causing the fears and doubts to rise up. Neither should we flee from the task God has assigned. This is the dilemma facing the Jews in Jerusalem. It’s also a dilemma that many of us are experiencing now.
Completing God’s mission may require an adjustment in strategy in order to accommodate our legitimate fears.
Read Nehemiah 4:15-23
Slow the Pace (15-18a)The threat of a secret attack was significantly impaired by it’s exposure. The builders were able to return to rebuilding the wall (15). When the element of surprise was removed, the threat was largely revealed to be an intimidation tactic. Evil works secretly in the shadows. Exposing the wicked plans that are conducted in secret meetings is one way to neutralize the threat. Open and honest dialogue doesn’t have any reason to hide.
Nehemiah...
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit gracefresno.substack.com
