Today's lesson comes from Nehemiah 4: 1-14. Last Sunday we saw Nehemiah receiving his commission and letters of authority from King Artaxerxes. He traveled to Jerusalem, inspected the ruined walls, and obtained the help of the people. Chapter three details the individuals who worked on the wall and lists the sections of their responsibility. However, immediately opposition arose. Sanballat, Tobiah and a new enemy, Gershon the Arabian sought to hinder them. Nehemiah was accused of starting a rebellion against the king. The enemies of the Jews were determined to stop Nehemiah and the rebuilding of Jerusalem.
The first section is "Rage and Ridicule." vv.1-3 A Jerusalem with walls could be a threat to the military and economic strength of Samaria. The opposition included Sanballat and Tobiah. Sanballat was angry and mocked the Jews (verse 1). He spoke to the army of Samaria. In verse 2, he references stones that were burned. The walls of Jerusalem had been built out of limestone, which when subjected to fire, would become soft and unusable. Sanballat was saying that the Jews had inadequate building materials for what they were seeing to accomplish. Tobiah joined in and added to the mockery, "Even that which they build, if a fox go up, he shall even break down their stone wall." He was saying that the work was so poor that even a small fox would break down the wall. In mocking the Jews, they were mocking the God of the Jews.
The summary points of this section are:
1. Never allow the mockery of unbelievers deter you from God's work.
2. It is dangerous thing for men to boast of their might.
3. Focus on God's Word not man's opposition.
The second section is "Prayer and Progress." vv. 4-6 When facing opposition, your first move should be to go to God in prayer. That is what Nehemiah did. "Hear, O our God; for we are despised." You can find Nehemiah's prayers at 1:4; 4:4,5; 5:19; 6:9,14,22,29 and 31. God takes personally the mistreatment of His people. Saul (who became Paul) found that out when he was on his way to Damascus to persecute the church and the Lord said to him, "I am Jesus, whom thou persecutest."
The next part of the prayer sounds a bit vindictive, but it is not. Nehemiah says, "Cover not their iniquity." Nehemiah wanted God to take notice of how they were treating His name. Sanballat had provoked God to anger "before the builders." Sanballat was causing alarm among the Jews and thus, frustrating the purposes of God. After praying, Nehemiah faced Sanballat's threats with prayer and work. He began again to build the wall. The people joined him. Soon, the entire wall had been raised to half its intended height.
The summary points of this section:
1. When you face opposition, go to God in prayer first.
2. After praying, begin to work.
3. Never try to vindicate yourself to others, leave it with God.
The third section is "Conspiracy and Caution." vv. 7-9 The Jews were surrounded:
1. Sanballat and the Samaritans were to the north;
2. Tobiah and the Ammonites on the east;
3. Arabians from the south; and
4. Ashdodites on the west.
These groups were not friends, but they united against a common enemy, i.e. the Jews. In the same way, the Sadducees and Pharisees differed in theology but united in their opposition to Christ. When news of the evil coalition came to Nehemiah, he went to prayer. Others were also involved in prayer, "We made our prayer unto God." After, Nehemiah set watchmen about the city to sound an alarm if the enemy advanced. The Jews sought God's protection and then they did what they could to secure their protection. You should not rely on prayer alone or on your watchfulness alone. The two principles should go hand in hand.
The summary points of this section are:
1. Always approach any problem with prayer.
2. Always add to your prayers your actions that demonstrate responsibility.
3. God's enemies will unite together against God's people.
The fourth section is "Weariness and Warnings." vv. 10-12 Everyone who has ever be worn out can appreciate the Jews becoming weary. The work was hard. Day after day they dug stones out of the rubbish and ashes. Their strength was decayed (v. 10). In the same way, to carry a burden for lost souls and revival can be taxing. In verse 11, we learn that the enemies of the Jews had united and planned an open attack on the city. They were going to slip inside the city and start slaying Jews inside the wall. These raids would instill fear and discourage the laborers from continuing the work.
Propaganda was being sown among the Jews who lived in the villages near the enemies' borders. The people were fearful that there would be a mighty assault made by the enemy. People from the nearby villages who were working on the wall were being told they needed to return to their villages to defend them against enemy attacks. This would slow down the work even more. The Jews were tired and under continual threats.
The summary points of this section are:
1. The Lord is aware of all of Satan's plans.
2. Our approach to the future should be one of prayer and faithfulness.
3. Don't stop doing what you are called to do, even if you are weary.
The fifth section is "Armed and Admonished." vv. 13, 14 Facing both internal and external problems, Nehemiah took fast action. Families were gathered together and armed for battle. Nehemiah made sure that both the low and high places were guarded. Then, he encouraged the people as follows:
1. Don't be ruled by your fears.
2. Recall what God has done for you in the past.
3. The Lord is mighty and can strike terror in the hearts of the enemy.
4. And, fight for your families and your houses.
Verse 15 relates how the enemies' counsel was frustrated. Their plans to destroy the Jews fell apart.
The summary points of the section are:
1. Faith is the antidote for fear.
2. We must always be ready to build and battle.
3. Fight the good fight of faith.
The Golden Text is: "Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God." (New. 4:9) One main lesson from the life of Nehemiah is his dependence on prayer at the beginning. He started nothing until he had taken the matter to the Lord. We should listen and learn from him. When facing a challenge, the first thing is the main thing and the first thing should be prayer. After prayer, we begin to put our actions and seek to be faithful and obedient. Then, the problem truly is in God's hands.
Next week, "Hearing God's Word." (Nehemiah 8: 1, 3, 5-12)
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