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

False prophets

[10] Afterward I came unto the house of Shemaiah the son of Delaiah the son of Mehetabeel, who was shut up; and he said, Let us meet together in the house of God, within the temple, and let us shut the doors of the temple: for they will come to slay thee; yea, in the night will they come to slay thee. [11] And I said, Should such a man as I flee? and who is there, that, being as I am, would go into the temple to save his life? I will not go in. [12] And, lo, I perceived that God had not sent him; but that he pronounced this prophecy against me: for Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. [13] Therefore was he hired, that I should be afraid, and do so, and sin, and that they might have matter for an evil report, that they might reproach me. [14] My God, think thou upon Tobiah and Sanballat according to these their works, and on the prophetess Noadiah, and the rest of the prophets, that would have put me in fear. Nehemiah 6:10-14

The plot thickens; Nehemiah goes to visit Shemaiah, a prophet. We are not told why but while there Shemaiah suggests, “Let’s go up to the temple and hide for the enemies are going to come and kill you in the night.”Nehemiah’s immediate response is, “why should I run and hide, would someone in my position hide?”

Shemaiah had an ulterior motive, to get Nehemiah away from the work. Without a leader the work would fail. His plan was foiled when Nehemiah refused to go with him. As Shemaiah was expounding on this plot Nehemiah realized God had not sent him but his enemies, Tobiah and Sanballat had hired Shemaiah to give this false prophecy.

It was all “falling in place” for Nehemiah. He now knew why Tobiah and Sanballat had hired Shemaiah. If they could make Nehemiah afraid enough to hide it would be easy to concoct an evil report about him.

Nehemiah prays to God asking Him to reward the false prophets according to their own works.

As I thought on this portion of scripture a few things come to mind:

1. One does get “caught up” in his own deceptions.

Oh what a tangled web we weave
When first we practice to deceive. - Sir Walter Scott

2. Nehemiah had a discerning spirit. Discernment is a quality trait we should yearn for. We need to be in the Word to learn discernment God’s way.

That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; Ephesians 4:14

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Another Letter

[5] Then sent Sanballat his servant unto me in like manner the fifth time with an open letter in his hand; [6] Wherein was written, It is reported among the heathen, and Gashmu saith it, that thou and the Jews think to rebel: for which cause thou buildest the wall, that thou mayest be their king, according to these words. [7] And thou hast also appointed prophets to preach of thee at Jerusalem, saying, There is a king in Judah: and now shall it be reported to the king according to these words. Come now therefore, and let us take counsel together. [8] Then I sent unto him, saying, There are no such things done as thou sayest, but thou feignest them out of thine own heart. [9] For they all made us afraid, saying, Their hands shall be weakened from the work, that it be not done. Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands. Nehemiah 6:5-9

The letters did not stop after number four. Sanballat sent one more, to try and “break him”. This letter was different from the rest, it was “an open letter”. It was not folded to keep the contents secret, but open so anyone could read and possibly put fear in the readers.

Letter number five was full of accusing remarks. “It’s been reported among the neighboring nations that the Jews are going to rebel and make you, Nehemiah, the king. This is the reason for building up the walls. You have also appointed prophets to preach at Jerusalem, saying there is a king in Judah. You need to be careful for it will get back to the king. Come and meet with me to discuss this.”

Nehemiah was not going to take these accusations lying down. He immediately answered, “No such thing is happening here, you are making up lies.”

All of this was done to make Nehemiah and the Jews afraid. If the enemy can tear them down with words and accusations, the work will stop. Strength to endure was badly needed.

As was his custom Nehemiah prayed, “O God strengthen my hands.”

What do you do when the enemy comes along with discouraging words? Do you fret and moan and groan? Do you turn to the One who can help?

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. Psalm 42:5

Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he is our help and our shield. Psalm 33:20

Oh Lord, help us to be like Nehemiah. Give us strength to endure the evil one. We thank you for the promise that you will never leave or forsake us.

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Fear tactics

[1] Now it came to pass, when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and Geshem the Arabian, and the rest of our enemies, heard that I had builded the wall, and that there was no breach left therein; (though at that time I had not set up the doors upon the gates;) [2] That Sanballat and Geshem sent unto me, saying, Come, let us meet together in some one of the villages in the plain of Ono. But they thought to do me mischief. [3] And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you? [4] Yet they sent unto me four times after this sort; and I answered them after the same manner. Nehemiah 6:1-4

The enemies are at it again. The “old gang” is back, Sanballat, Tobiah and Geshem, they heard the news that the wall was built and it was strong and sturdy. As usual they had plans for Nehemiah’s demise. A letter was sent to set up a meeting with Nehemiah. Nehemiah was not born yesterday, and realized they only wanted to meet with him for mischief. The Hebrew meaning for mischief includes: bad, affliction, calamity, distress.

Nehemiah’s answer to them is exactly what one would expect, “Oh no, I cannot go to Ono! I am doing a great work.” My translation is “I have way more important works to do than meet with the likes of you.” As with all the followers of the evil one, they were very persistent. They would hassle and pester until he relented. They obviously did not know Nehemiah’s fortitude.

The barraging continued, three more letters followed, with the same results. Nehemiah was not budging. He knew what he was called to do and he was going to do it. No temptation was going to pull him from the work of the wall.

~ Are you being tempted by others who do not know the great works of God? Is someone trying to break down your beliefs? Do you feel pulled in a hundred directions?

That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; Ephesians 4:14

~ Take a lesson from Nehemiah, do not waver.

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Ephesians 6:10

~ Go in prayer to the One who will help you with all your problems.

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

The LORD hath heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer. Psalm 6:9

Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me. Psalm 66:20

Have a blessed day,
Donna