March 16, 2020

BIBLE READING: Nehemiah 2:19-20

19 But when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian, heard it, they laughed us to scorn, and despised us, and said, What is this thing that ye do? will ye rebel against the king? 20 Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build: but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem.

‭‬‬‬‬What way to start a building project. Nehemiah is immediately faced with quite the opposition. Not only are they made fun of, but being falsely accused with not having the proper authority. How encouraging. There will always be some form of opposition in the work of the Lord. Whether its subtle or large it will always be there. Nehemiah’s approach was really neat. What must we do when faced with opposition in God’s work?‬‬

First, Nehemiah declares who has the position of authority, the “God of heaven.” He wanted to make it clear that he wasn’t just sent by the King but the one and true living God. Nehemiah was confident in his position where the Lord had place him. It was obvious these men should not be in Jerusalem, and Nehemiah followed the Lord step by step where he needed to be. Christian, as a child of God, we have the amazing security of God on our side. He is the One we answer to and our authority, according to His Word. Nehemiah wanted to remove all doubt of motive. He was sent and going to be used by God to help Jerusalem. We can have the confidence in the Lord to the work he has called us to further the body of Christ.

Second, Nehemiah relied on the power of God. “…he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build:” These men loved that Jerusalem was vulnerable because they could have their way with ruling over people coming and going through Jerusalem, the wall would simply prohibit that. There may have been failed attempts in the past to build the wall, but now Nehemiah wants to show that this is of God and not of men. They cannot fail with the Lord’s power. It is so comforting to know that we can rely and trust in the Lord’s strength. God can give us the confidence and grace as we follow His guidance.

So, today don’t let the opinion of the others or maybe even a doubt in yourself to what God has called you to do! “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

David Fulp II