Day 270 – Nehemiah 6-7

Talking Points

• People have always hated those who are attempting to do the work of the Lord. Nehemiah perseveres and is not distracted. To God’s glory, the wall is finished in an astonishingly few days, and the towns are inhabited by the sons of Israel.
• The same ploys of hindering God’s work are still found today — evidently, Satan’s tool bag hasn’t changed all that much. First, the enemies try and distract Nehemiah, calling him from the work under false pretenses. Then, they attempt to frighten and discourage the workers, trying to break their resolve. When that doesn’t work, the enemies slander Nehemiah, attacking his motives and character. If they can’t stop him, perhaps they can disparage his reputation and cause others to doubt him. Lastly, they send false messages, claiming they are from God. Satan is a master at confusing and distorting God’s truth. Notice — Nehemiah’s response was to faithfully seek God in prayer. Our response must be the same!
• Nehemiah says he puts Hananiah “in charge of Jerusalem, for he was a faithful man and feared God more than many” (7:2). Oh, what a thing to be said of you — recorded in Scripture forever!
• Chapter 7 records a detailed census of the returned exiles and even their livestock and resources. God is a god of order who pays attention to the smallest of details. Rather than considering it boring or unimportant, this list should cause us to have great hope! God sees us and cares, even remembering 245 mules!

Thoughts

In Nehemiah 6:3, the cupbearer turned governor makes a profound statement: “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down.” Nehemiah’s description of the work of rebuilding the wall includes the Hebrew word for important, distinguished, or of God. His work was surely great. Nehemiah had been granted the compassion he’d asked God for from the king, and he was sure this work of rebuilding was of God. From that moment on, he never wavered. Regardless of what was thrown at him, he was not able to be brought down.

Notice, however, Nehemiah never relied on his own will-power or doggedness to persevere. “But now, O God, strengthen my hands” (6:9). When he hears the slanderous reports of his would-be distractors, Nehemiah knows the intent is to frighten and discourage them from their great work. He knows where to look.

Today, are we sure of the work we are doing? Is it important? Is it distinguished? Is it of God? And, if it is, are we aware of the schemes of the enemy? Do we know where to look when we become frightened or discouraged?

God, help us to be about Your work. Strengthen our hands to persevere. Be our help, our encouragement, our strength. Then, when the work is complete, may it be clear it was “accomplished with the help of our God” (6:16). May You receive all the glory!