Terrorism has been around for quite some time as evidenced by the Book of Nehemiah. A fascinating read, Nehemiah provides valuable lessons on how to handle resistance and hardship when serving God or trying to accomplish goals in life. One of the Bible’s greatest heroes, Nehemiah demonstrated courage, commitment, and an unwavering resolve to fulfill a great purpose in his life.
When the Babylonians overthrew Jerusalem in 586 BC, they destroyed the temple, burned the city gates, and broke down the walls of Jerusalem. Nehemiah’s story began more than a century later in 445 BC, while he served as cupbearer for King Artaxerxes of Persia. Nehemiah wept when he learned that the walls of Jerusalem and its gates had not been restored. The walls protected the people, serving as a means of defense for the once great city. He mourned and prayed and fasted for the people of Israel. God gave him favor in the sight of King Artaxerxes who granted Nehemiah’s request to rebuild the walls. The pagan king gave Nehemiah letters to authorize safe passage to Jerusalem and to obtain timber. Nehemiah was a man of faith who took action. With royal letters in hand, he made his way to Jerusalem.
God’s people came together – priests, rulers, goldsmiths, and servants – and volunteered to help rebuild the walls. They worked with all their hearts from sunrise to sunset. Furious that the walls were being rebuilt, Sanballat and Tobiah, the enemies of God, were determined to stop the work. They mocked and ridiculed the workers and falsely accused Nehemiah of rebelling against the king. Despite the insults and accusations, Nehemiah and his men continued to work. Sanballat and Tobiah were persistent and were not going to give up without a fight. They plotted against Nehemiah and threatened to fight against Jerusalem. Nehemiah organized a round-the-clock defense against them and assigned half the people to build and the other half to stand guard. With swords girded at their sides, Nehemiah and his men kept working. An excellent leader, Nehemiah prayed before making decisions and was a master planner. He prayed constantly for God’s strength to deal with the enemies, yet he did not stop working.
In the midst of rebuilding the walls, Nehemiah had to deal with problems among God’s people. When the walls reached half their height, the people were tired and fearful of a surprise attack from Sanballat. Nehemiah encouraged them not to be afraid and challenged them to fight for their families. Some people needed grain and had to borrow money from Jewish nobles. Conflict arose when the rich nobles took advantage of the poor by charging them high interest rates. Nehemiah rebuked the nobles and ordered them to return the interest. Nehemiah led by example and followed his own rules, for he himself was lending money to the poor and not charging interest.
Despite much opposition, the walls were completed in an amazing 52 days. Sanballat and Tobiah were silenced and humiliated. Friends and enemies alike knew the work had been done with God’s help. Nehemiah teamed with Ezra, the priest, and together, they led the political and spiritual restoration of the people.
The Book of Nehemiah reveals that you can expect resistance when serving God. The perfect role model, Nehemiah weathered the storm of resistance by praying, watching, and trusting God. If people say you cannot succeed, think of Nehemiah’s refusal to be intimidated by his enemies. When your goals and aspirations are challenged, remember Nehemiah’s fine example of perseverance.
Father, thank you for the Book of Nehemiah and its valuable truths. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
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