Great Accomplishment

[15] So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty and two days. [16] And it came to pass, that when all our enemies heard thereof, and all the heathen that were about us saw these things, they were much cast down in their own eyes: for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God. [17] Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters unto Tobiah, and the letters of Tobiah came unto them. [18] For there were many in Judah sworn unto him, because he was the son in law of Shechaniah the son of Arah; and his son Johanan had taken the daughter of Meshullam the son of Berechiah. [19] Also they reported his good deeds before me, and uttered my words to him. And Tobiah sent letters to put me in fear. Nehemiah 6:15-19

Great news, the wall is finished in only fifty-two days. Fifty-two days is less than two months. According to Josephus, an ancient historian, the wall was 33 stadia which converts to approximately 4.5 miles long. This was an amazing feat to accomplish. The wall was in total despair when he arrived, destroyed and burnt (2:13). He had constant opposition (2:10; 2:19; 4:1-3 …) and discouragement from workers (chapter 5). In all this Nehemiah kept going.

Just to keep this in perspective, the city I live near is in the process of a major renovation of a local highway. The project is changing the highway (6 lanes, 3 on each side) to a boulevard (2 lanes, one on each side) for approximately 1 mile. The projected time frame is 2.5 years and the cost is very expensive. Keep in mind that the project has skilled people, modern machines and up to the minute technologies.

When you take into account that Nehemiah did not have skilled people, did not have modern machines, and certainly did not have the technology we have today, one is awed and can see the hand of God. This is exactly what the people saw in Nehemiah’s day, “they perceived that this work was wrought of our God”.

Letters passed between the nobles and Tobiah, keeping each informed of the progress. Some also tried to tell Nehemiah about “good deeds” that Tobiah was doing. Nehemiah did not take the bait, which was when Tobiah sent him threatening letters.

Lesson learned:
When the world recognizes we are doing God’s work they become dishearten. The world wants us to go along with them not follow the Lord.

We need to follow God and be strong, no matter what. Nehemiah did not budge but trusted God, we need to do the same.

But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. I Timothy 6:11

Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God. III John 1:11

Have a blessed day,
Donna