Facing opposition
So we built the wall, and the entire wall was joined together up to half its height, for the people had a mind to work (Nehemiah 4:6).
Opposition to the work of God often starts quietly. We are introduced to Sanballat, Tobiah and Gesham at the end of chapter 2. Things change as the work progresses, and chapter 4 records their fury, indignation and mockery. The place to deal with such opposition is in the presence of God. Nehemiah asks for God’s protection as he carries on with the reconstruction of the walls of Jerusalem (vv. 4-6).
The progress was evident. The entire wall was joined together up to half its height and “the people had a mind to work”. The people had a single purpose and were committed to working together. It is relatively easy to work in isolation, but God wants us to work in fellowship. We can often see service as a personal thing and take complete ownership and control of it to the exclusion of others. I love the example of Barnabas in Acts 11 when the apostles sent him to Antioch to help the new church. He was a great blessing to the people of God. But what does he do? He finds Paul and includes him in the ministry at Antioch, knowing his friend would be such a help in building up the saints in Antioch. It was the beginning of a fruitful partnership. It is a great thing to see value in our brothers and sisters and to recognise their gifts and abilities and to work side by side.
As the work grew, so did the opposition, and a surprise attack against Jerusalem was planned. Nehemiah is characterised by two vital spiritual attributes: His complete trust in God and his spiritual foresight. He knew what God could do, and he knew what he had to do. We often get confused by these two things. We can claim to trust God and be irresponsible in our actions. We can also be so determined in our efforts that we leave God out and become wilful. Nehemiah teaches us about spiritual balance: trusting and obeying. Trust is about committing our circumstances to God. Obedience is about doing God’s will in those circumstances. God can work independently of us, but He also works through our obedience and actions. Nehemiah prayed for God’s protection and prepared for potential danger. God answered his prayer by sending brethren to warn him of the opposition they faced. This shows us how God also moves in the hearts of our fellow brethren to support us in times of need. Nehemiah responds by preparing his workers for battle and encouraging them to trust in the Lord and to act to protect their families.
The protection of our families is paramount today. I don’t think marriage in general and Christian marriages in particular have ever been in greater danger. We are involved in a spiritual battle and need to be prepared for it. We do this by trusting God, living our lives as He has directed, displaying love and care in all our family relationships, and being watchful of present dangers. Nehemiah’s spiritual advice is timeless;
“Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, great and awesome, and fight for your brethren, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your houses” (4:14).
