Nehemiah 4:7-14 SET A WATCH The narrative that Nehemiah gave the work of rebuilding the walls is emphasized by the linking of successive challenges to the overall objective through the words, "It came to pass." The enthusiasm and vigor applied to the project was a real contrast to the mindset of the people there in years past. So, when Sanballat and Tobiah and the other leaders who surrounded the Jerusalem on four sides got the news that the wall was linked up and was rising rapidly, they weren't just angry but they were "very wroth." People can get very upset when a work for God is being done successfully. We can expect more than one form of opposition and from more than one direction. It is important for us to remember "we wrestle not with flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."
Those who oppose the work of the kingdom of God do not give up at the first attempt to hinder a work. Ridicule, fear, guile, false accusations, creating doubt, even attempts to corrupt those who are in the work with us, are all tactics used by the enemy to stop the work which we have been given. Unified prayer on the part of all those involved, combined with careful thought and planning are appropriate and consistent with meeting the present need. Preparation and concerted effort are also consistent with faith in God. The Jews joined with Nehemiah in prayer, and set around-the-clock guards. To "watch and pray" was enjoined by our Lord Jesus Christ upon His disciples in view of the subtlety of temptation and the uncertainty of the future.
It is normal when laboring in a work of any kind to get tired. Weariness goes along with human weakness which is not a serious problem if it is only physical. But our physiological and emotional strength or weakness, can affect each other. "Tiredness in the work does not mean one is tired of the work." Outward pressures can foster discouragement if we focus on the problems rather than on the goal. "Much rubbish" that has to be removed makes it seem like we are wasting our efforts unless we keep the calling, the goal and God's "strength for the day" in our minds. Not everyone engaged in a work has the same vision and commitment to it. Those who lead must know when to push ahead themselves and when to pray.
Strangely it was the men of Judah who were the pessimists who came with complaints. They were the ones who would most benefit when the work was completed, so there had to be some underlying motive behind this deliberate act of deception. Not all opposition we face in the work of the Lord comes from those who look on as bystanders. Hidden agendas that some of God's people have, may catch a leader unaware if he is not close enough to those he leads, to know what they are saying and what is going on behind the scene. Some people do not want the work of God to progress because it will call for change in their lives and a greater commitment to spiritual things, rather than that which is valued in dollars and cents.
Moreover, as in the rebuilding of the walls to which Nehemiah was committed, the discontent of some undermined the confidence of others who came from out of the city daily to help build the wall. They were living near the enemies of God's people and likely each day they went to work, they had to endure taunts and threats from those who openly opposed a strong city. An attempt was made by those who opposed from within by repeating the challenge ten times and creating an uneasiness among everyone. This was an underhanded attempt to stop the work by getting people to quit. Nehemiah was not unaware of what was going on, but rather than being "hard-nosed," he wisely set guards who were able to be seen by those without and within, He knew what God wanted and repeatedly put each problem into God's hand in prayer and confidence. Then in faith he took the appropriate action which would have silenced the opposition from his own people.
But even more than that, he involved those people in such a way that they could not refute nor avoid their need to keep at the work. He set guards where there were weak spots and made sure everyone had weapons close by to "fight for your brethren, your sons, your daughters, your wives and your houses." That made the work personal. We must preserve what we know is right no matter what others around us may do. Our families need to be protected from the ungodly ways of the world. Our children have the right to look on us as being stable and trustworthy when it comes to the biblical standards and values by which we live. We need to share our concerns with others and stand on guard shoulder-to-shoulder with those of "like precious faith." Criticism, rumors and gossip creates fear in those who are new in the faith or haven't experienced the joy of living by faith.
When we take time to think of the effect of our action, or lack of it, it will help us to look beyond problems in our present circumstances to what is lasting and of far greater importance. The generation to come needs to know that the truth of God is personal to us and it is our desire that it will be to them. That impact will not come with words only when passing on truth, but when my life and activities in business and pleasure reflect what I believe. If those coming behind leaders in families, assemblies and nations do not see consistency in standards, principles and practices, they will move into their future like a ship without a rudder. We must commit ourselves to the truth and the work needed to maintain that truth before our people.
The enemies are all around us, Father - Some we can see and some we don't. They don't want Thy truth, but rather Reject unchanging standards, and won't Commit themselves to Thee, nor give heed To the consequences that follow willful acts -
Their only consideration is what they think they need And ignore the outcome of unassailable facts.
Is there some way, Father, some steps that I can take; To impress those who know me, that what I say, Can, if they act on the truth alone, a difference makes That changes that which leads to darkness, to the light of day? And those who follow them: family and their friends, If challenged with the truth they personally know, Will bring a fruitful harvest seen before life ends Because in their return to faith, it again will grow.
"Father in heaven, I know we cannot avoid opposition because we are in enemy territory seeking to turn people from the darkness to light. My prayer is that we can see this work progress in people being brought into the safety of Thy salvation, and the security of following Thy work Please help Thy servant to always keep his eye on the finish of the work. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."