Nehemiah- Rebuilding and Renewalනියැදිය

In yesterday’s study, we saw the schemes of the enemy being played out firstly through ridicule and spreading doubt, then through outright threats and intimidation. To each of these onslaughts, the people of God are to respond through prayer, and to remain committed to their calling through ‘work and warfare’: getting on with the job, and “demolishing arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God”. A key component of spiritual warfare is also to “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Cor 10:4-5). As disciples of Jesus we are not only to become like Christ, but we are to think like Christ. A Jesus mindset is one of trusting the Father, loving the lost, and walking in truth with his followers.

Finally, having not succeeded through mockery or intimidation, the enemy attempts to sow disunity among the people. The people were growing tired and disheartened, and if some abandoned their posts, the entire wall was at risk of being overrun. When one is disheartened it’s easy to think, “It won’t matter if I give up. I’m not that important here. Someone else will step into my place.” Our enemy Satan is always trying to sow doubt and despair, and when people start to give up, disunity is not far behind. Disunity in this case is not necessarily a matter of disagreement, but that which is sometimes behind unspoken disagreement; that of the sense that the people no longer work ‘shoulder to shoulder’.

Nehemiah responds by “posting them by families” (v13). The key line in this passage is verse 14: “Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.”

The work was on the line, success was close, but it required the fortitude of all the people. If you find yourself beginning to despair, or feel unsettled because of spiritual opposition, ‘remember the Lord’; shift your focus from the enemy’s tactics toward Him, and stand guard by protecting family members and defending households through prayer, and by bringing hope to the next generation

One final point: notice the language in the midst of this challenge: “But we prayed to our God” (v9). The emphasis has shifted from Nehemiah’s prayers to the prayers of the community. By sharing responsibility, the people join the mission God has given through prayer, by standing guard and in serving in family groups. There is unity in the project and in the battle- both in prayer and strategy.

Reflect:

If you are in a Christian community, what does it mean for you to be fighting shoulder to shoulder with brothers and sisters both in work and warfare?

What stands out to you most about this passage?

Think about times in your past when you have become discouraged, or given up. What was happening for you during those times? What was missing? Invite the Lord to bring healing, forgiveness and any correction He has for you.