READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l The wall was finished in 52 days (Neh. 6:16). This statement may appear as an anticlimax. Announced without fanfare, it indicates that problems remained, as seen in Chapter 6.
- God is glorified
In His servants: When the wall was completed, God is glorified in His servants who witnessed His faithfulness. They knew first-hand that they serve a covenant-keeping God. The people understood their own lack and feebleness as builders (Neh. 4:2). But it was God’s work. Similarly, we are humbled that God chooses us (1 Cor.1:27) so that through us, He is glorified.
Among the nations: the enemies recognised that the walls were build by God. Their mockery had turned to fear and shame. Intimidation and fear were placed on God’s people but now, the tables were turned. God acted and judged His enemies, who perceived God’s being and power in the rebuilding of the wall. As the psalmist declared: “Then it was said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them’” (Ps.126:2). In Engel’s Scale of Evangelism, many view steps involving repentance and discipleship as the main acts of evangelism. These steps involve the preaching of the Word and the acceptance of Jesus as Savior. But in fact, evangelism starts when people become aware of a Supreme Being. By obeying God’s Word and by doing God’s work, others around us are led to perceive God. His Name is glorified even as others witness His works. - In spite of trials
There were numerous plots to derail the work. The enemies intended that the wall would not be built. This directly opposed God’s will. The threats and challenges faced by Nehemiah and the people included:
6:2 – Peace-making ploy. The enemy tried to lure Nehemiah to meet under the guise of peace-making. However, Nehemiah knew that they were plotting to kidnap and kill him. They approached him many times with this ploy.
6:6 – Open plot. An open letter which could be read by the messenger and all others contained rumours that Nehemiah was intending to overthrow the king. This slander was used to get Nehemiah to meet with them. Nehemiah refuted these claims. He continued to pray (vs. 9) for strength to continue God’s work.
6:10-14 – Hired prophets. The false prophet tried to get Nehemiah to meet in the temple. Nehemiah knew God’s law forbade this and hence, stood firm and refused to listen to the prophet.
When we do God’s will, we may think that the journey will be smooth and there will be miraculous outcomes. When we face obstacles, we may doubt and think we have misunderstood God or even that God is punishing us. On the contrary, we should focus on God and persist on doing His will. We learn (a) not to be distracted by enemy schemes as we do God’s work; (b) not to over-react in the face of opposition. Nehemiah did not waste his time or energy on long responses to his enemies; (c) to go to God in prayer, asking for wisdom and strength to undertake His work. - More to be done
It took only two months of hard work to complete what had laid in ruins for 94 years. However, though the infrastructure was constructed, the hearts and attitudes of the people needed a radical change. The prophets were selling themselves to the enemy (6:13,14). Traders had business obligations to the enemy (6:17). Others had familial ties with the enemy (6:18). This showed that the enemy had infiltrated the hearts of the people. Thus, Nehemiah knew there was more work left to be done. So too for us in our Christian life. Paul urges us to press on, for we have not arrived (Phil. 3:13-14). We are a work-in-progress.
We may have experienced a spiritual breakthrough but there is more to do. Discipleship is a journey with Christ. What are the next steps we need to take?
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- In what way was God glorified by your obedience to His will?
- In what way was God glorified among non-believers when His will was done?
- Share a challenging opposition you faced as you focused on doing God’s work. How did you overcome it?
- What are next steps forward for your discipleship journey?
