[:en]SCRIPTURE: NEHEMIAH 6
“So, the wall was completed on the 25th of Elul in 52 days. When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God” (Nehemiah 6: 15-16)
FURTHER OPPOSITION TO THE REBUILDING (vs. 1-14)
When Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem, the Arab and the rest of their services knew that the wall had been completed but without a gate, Sanballat and Geshem sent a message to entice Nehemiah to a friendly meeting on the plain of Ono. Four invitations were sent but Nehemiah refused them all. He stood on the job steadfastly with God on his side.
When they were unsuccessful in luring Nehemiah to meet them, they used another scheme. They sent an open letter filled with slanderous accusations against Nehemiah and his people. Nehemiah exposed their lies and used prayer for God to strengthen his hands.
Then, another tactic came. Shemaiah was afraid of the enemy, so he shut himself up in his house. He invited Nehemiah go with him and hide in the temple because men were coming to kill him. He was trying to frighten Nehemiah into going out to the enemy for safety. But Nehemiah saw through the scheme and openly refuted Shemaiah’s lies.
Tobiah was hired to intimidate Nehemiah so that he would commit a sin to give him a bad name to discredit him. He prayed to God saying: “Remember Tobiah and Sanballat, O my God, because of what they have done. Remember also the prophets Noadiah and the rest of the prophets who have been trying to intimidate me” (v. 14)
THE COMPLETION OF THE WALL (vs. 15-19)
The wall was completed in 52 days. The enemy lost their self-confidence and were embarrassed. And God was glorified.
SUMMARY: ADVICES TO GOD’S LEADERS
- Beware of invitations from the enemies. They will try to befriend and hug you. But you must say no to the invitations that will compromise your witness and stop the work that God has called you to do.
- When you have been accused or slandered, the best witness is your life’s testimony. Your life and character can refute every lie that the enemies said against you.
- Be cautious on the false brethren who may offer you seemingly good advices. Pray for
- When you have been threatened with fear, pray to God to strengthen your faith in Him
- Do not abandon your post as a shepherd of God. The enemy will try to get you to flee but you have to stay on to your place of duty and finish the work that God had entrusted you to do.
- In exercising leadership, let Nehemiah be your example – generous, courageous, resolute and unselfish). Be devoted to God’s Word and pray for God’s wisdom to exercise discernment.
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