Rebuilding the Wall of Jerusalem

The Lord put it on Nehemiah's heart that he would oversee the restoration of the wall of Jerusalem. Prior to this, Nehemiah was a cupbearer, serving the king of Artaxerxes. As the cupbearer, he was the king's trusted advisor. In exchange, I can imagine that Nehemiah enjoyed the comforts of living in the palace. However, all of this changed, when Nehemiah got wind of the injustices the Jews faced in Jerusalem as the walls that surrounded and protected the city were crumbling down around them. He mourned for them, fasted, and prayed. The Faithful One responded and called upon him to leave his city. Without hesitation, Nehemiah obeyed the voice of God.

It goes without saying that Nehemiah has a heart for the Lord. He is faithful in listening to and obeying His voice. He has unfailingly proven himself a great leader for the Jews at this critical time for the mere fact that he responded. He showed up. God is looking for many laborers in His kingdom. He is looking for the people who are willing to leave the comforts of their present lifestyle, circumstance, or situation in order to take up the cross and serve Him. I can imagine that it wasn't easy for Nehemiah to leave the palace or the familiarity of his city. But the fire and passion that dwelled within him to serve the Jews was far greater than his personal interests. I know each and every one of you who is reading this blog today has a burning desire that God has placed within you. However, how many times have you squelched the flame? You have decided that you would get around to it at a time that is more convenient for you. When God calls, picture the urgency behind it. Now is the time to act!

When Nehemiah enters the city of Jerusalem, he realizes the work that is cut out for him. The gates are broken and the walls are burned down in a massive state of destruction. However, Nehemiah does not get discouraged. He remembers the vision God has given him and instead of worrying, he encourages the Jews, "You see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lies waste, and its gates are burned with fire. Come and let us build the wall of Jersualem, that we may no longer be a reproach." (Nehemiah 2:17) The Jews responded with faith and belief that their works would not be done in vain. "Let us rise up and build'. Then they set their hands to this good work." (Nehemiah 2:18)

"Let us rise up and build", my friends. It is time to pray, "O God, strenthen my hands" (Nehemiah 6:9) Ask the Lord to strenthen and provide supplication to do the work of His will. It is not a feat that should be done alone, but it should at all times be under the direct supervision, guidance, and provision of God. That way your work will not be heavy burdened, nor will you fall weak. Even the construction workers rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem were armed with the sword, and for us that would mean the Word of God. "Every one of the builders had his sword girded at his side as he built." (Nehemiah 4:18). It is vital for every individual to be armed with the sword of the spirit, the Word of God, before engaging in the greater work of His Kingdom.

It goes without saying that Nehemiah's call was met with it's fair share of opposition. "Now it happened, when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, Ammonites, and the Ashdodites heard that the walls of Jerusalem were being restored and the gaps were beginning to be closed, that they became very angry, and all of them conspired together to come and attack Jersualem and create confusion." (Nehemiah 4:7-8) During the reconstruction of the wall, Nehemiah's enemies sent messengers on several occassions to distract Nehemiah so that he would abandon his plans. Nehemiah responded gracefully and refused to meet with them to speak. The final servant that was sent to him stated that there were rumors about suggesting Nehemiah had plans to become the king of the Jews. Now, Nehemiah, who was affirmed in his own heart, knew that this was a ploy to get him and his workers off task. He paid them no mind and continued on with his work as planned.

What would have happened if Nehemiah lost focus? What if Nehemiah's enemies' conspiracy was a success? Well, the answer to that is very simple. The wall would not have been built, or perhaps it would have taken much longer for it to be completed. We will undoubtedly face opposition when we are walking in our higher calling. There will be many who mock or cast judgement upon you. There may be those who persecute you. However, this is the enemy's form of distraction. He will prey upon your weaknesses. For most, that means our reputations. I can speak for the majority of us who value our reputations. Imagine being slandered and put to shame consistently when you are serving the Lord. Many of us face that on a daily basis. Get used to it. It is hard and it can wear you down at times, but do not lose focus! The enemy is the epitome of confusion. He comes to destroy our visions and the dreams God has placed within us. When God speaks something over our life, act on it full-heartedly, without doubt and fear.

As the story goes, the wall of Jerusalem was built and completed in fifty-two days under the leadership of Nehemiah. God called upon this righteous leader who served Him faithfully to do a great work in protecting the children of Israel. Now, I would like for you to examine your own heart. God lit a match to the wicker of your soul and it has been burning for some time now. Have you responded? If not, there is no better time than now. Be obedient, be faithful, and trust that the Lord will protect and provide for you along the way. Like Nehemiah, ask God to strenthen your hands to complete the work He has called you to do.

Until next time, be encouraged, my friends...