15/03/2020 - DOING A GREAT WORK

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So I sent messengers to them with this reply: “I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and go down to you? Nehemiah 6:3

Nehemiah’s mission began when some arrived from Judah and told him about the situation in Jerusalem. Among them was Hanani, his brother, and a few others who gave him unpleasant news (Ne 1:1-2). Those who were not taken into captivity lived in great misery and contempt in that province. The city wall was split, and the doors burned with fire. Such an account made Nehemiah weep and fast before God.

In the following days, he spent praying and pleading for his people. One day, while pouring wine to King Artaxerxes, the Persian sovereign noticed that he was sad, as he had never been before, and asked him about the reason for his distress. Nehemiah answered him that it was because of Israel, which was destroyed. Asked what he wanted to do, he prayed to God and said that if he pleased the king, he would allow him to rebuild the city of his fathers. (Ne 2: 1-5).

The trip to Jerusalem was a divine work, as he was given logistical support, resources, and heavenly power, without which he would not even be allowed to enter the city of the great King and begin the repair. Arriving there, Nehemiah came across those who would be his opponents: Sanballat, Tobiah, and Gesem, who mocked him and those who were with him. Unwilling to let the opportunity pass, Nehemiah began and finished the work.

It was not easy under the conditions of that time to raise the wall, repair the doors and do the other necessary works. Likewise, those who are called to work in the Lord’s harvest today must be in consecration, ready to restore whatever is needed, and to be vigilant over their enemies. The devil will do what he can to make God’s work paralyzed, the workers discouraged, and nothing accomplished.

In addition to calling upon divine protection, Nehemiah and his group worked armed because their opponents threatened to keep them from rebuilding the wall and end their lives. Prayer and supplication were made constantly. The state of nerves was great, but the love of the Lord never forsaken Nehemiah and his helpers, and they proceeded from brick to brick. Today we have to do the same! Whoever looks at intimidations will achieve nothing.

After seeing the progress of the reformation, the same enemies – Sanballat, Tobiah, and Gesem – invited Nehemiah to be with them, as they had plans to harm him. However, God’s servant’s response put an end to their plan (Num. 6:1-2). It is good to be connected to the Most High and never to be hasty, for behind an “innocent” invitation maybe a diabolical plan.

No matter what work the Lord has given him to do; It is great and important. Never abandon what has been placed in your hands to risk something that can bring you much suffering. Note that Jesus commanded that we should not greet any one along the way (Luke 10:4).

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares