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OPPOSITION WHEN REBUILDING THE WALLS OF JERUSALEM (NEHEMIAH 4:1-23)

REFLECTION

The theme for our reflection is “Opposition when rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem” Opposition is the action of resisting, or combating a perceived enemy. It also means antagonism or hostility towards an enemy. Israel faced opposition when rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. We shall reflect on the fact that to overcome opposition from our enemies we must trust God and focus on doing our part. In other words, victory or success awaits us when we trust God and focus on doing our part in the face of opposition.

Beloved in the Lord, Nehemiah and the Israelites whom he had mobilised to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem were met with fierce opposition and threat, yet they trusted God and continued to rebuild the wall to the end. Nehemiah wrote, “But when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites and the people of Ashdod heard that the repairs to Jerusalem’s walls had gone ahead and that the gaps were being closed, they were very angry. 8 They all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and stir up trouble against it… Also, our enemies said, “Before they know it or see us, we will be right there among them and will kill them and put an end to the work.”12 Then the Jews who lived near them came and told us ten times over, “Wherever you turn, they will attack us.” (Nehemiah 4:7-8,11-12). Dear friend in Christ, regardless of the threats and imminent danger and fear posed by their enemies, Nehemiah encouraged his people to trust God and focus on doing their part by protecting themselves and building the wall. He said “We prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat…After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, “Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.” When our enemies heard that we were aware of their plot and that God had frustrated it, we all returned to the wall, each to our own work.” (Nehemiah 4:4-9,14-15). In other words, prayer and action or doing the will of God came into play as a demonstration of trusting God and focusing on doing one’s part. Beloved in the Lord, we are greatly encouraged to trust God even in the face of threats and challenges. Trusting God amid challenges and threats is further explained by Paul when he wrote “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7) Again, to trust God and focus on your part in challenging situations, the writer of Hebrews admonished us that “Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. (Hebrews 11:6). The story of Nehemiah re-echoes Jesus’ assurance that “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26).

What challenges are you going through currently and why are you afraid and about to give up? We are greatly assured to trust God and focus on doing our part even in times of fierce opposition and challenges. Don’t give up! Let us join Job when he declared during his challenges, “I know that my redeemer lives and that in the end he will stand on the earth. 26 And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; (Job 19:25-26). Finally, the Psalmist assured us that when we trust God and focus on doing our part, “A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. 8 You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. (Psalms 91:7-8). Praise the Lord!

In summary, we have discovered that victory or success awaits us when we trust God and focus on doing our part or doing God’s will amid challenges and opposition. Shalom.

PRAYER

Almighty God, strengthen our faith during challenges and threats and help us to focus on doing your will at all times. Praise be to Your Holy name. Amen.