September 18th~Victory by Vigilance

Nehemiah 3:1-7:3

Nehemiah demonstrated outstanding leadership by rallying the people of Jerusalem to rebuild the city walls, by keeping the people encouraged in the midst of opposition, and by confronting the oppressive practice of usury or loan abuse. Of course, all of these things were accomplished with the help of the Lord (4:14; 6:9, 16). Let’s consider each of these situations and apply them to God’s people today.

When reading Nehemiah 3, we are often tempted to skip over the long list of names and locations; however, this chapter is absolutely essential to understanding the work on the wall. Not only did Nehemiah take time to recognize everyone involved in the restoration of the city, but he noted exactly where they worked. The City of God was built by many people working in cooperation in many places. As each person and family did their part, the great work was accomplished.

Next, as God’s people were faithfully attending to the work on the wall, their enemies organized an effort to stop them. Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem were leaders of the surrounding tribes and they did not want to see Jerusalem or the Jews rise to their former status of power in the area. Therefore, they did what they could to discourage or derail the project. Nehemiah was neither intimidated nor deterred. Instead, he reminded the people that God was on their side and encouraged them to wield their weapons and be wary of attack (4:13-23; 7:3).

Finally, after Nehemiah was made aware of an immoral practice that had huge economic ramifications, he nipped it in the bud. Those with money were loaning it to fellow Jews at excessive interest rates, a practice condemned by God (Lev. 25:36, 37; Deut. 23:19, 20). God’s people were hindering their own success.

Daily Reflection

The work of the Church today in building the Kingdom of God requires each Christian to do his or her part “on the wall.” It is a massive effort that demands diligence and cooperation. To what part of the wall has the Lord assigned you? What are you doing to advance His agenda?

God’s work is not easy nor does it come without opposition. Our enemy is just as diligent as we are, if not more, to hinder our efforts. That opposition comes from both outside and inside the Church. What are some ways that the enemy tries to discourage or derail the work of God from outside the Church?

What are some ways that the enemy uses people inside the Church to hinder God’s work?

We must respond to opposition as did Nehemiah and the Jews, with vigilance. Vigilance is “forbearance of sleep, a state of being awake, watchfulness, or to be on guard.” With God’s help, we must remain vigilant to all forms of opposition to His work on earth.

BiAY.org | Day 261 — 104 Days to Go