Nehemiah was a Jewish man who served as a cupbearer for Artaxerxes, King of Persia. Only mentioned in this first-hand account, Nehemiah provides an excellent picture of a life lived for God. He had a heart of compassion that was followed by actions of obedience. In Nehemiah chapter one, verses two and three, Nehemiah asked his brother, "How are our people in our home land and how is Jerusalem?” His brother said, "Things are not good. The wall has been broken down and the gates have been burned with fire."

 

Upon hearing the news, Nehemiah cried, fasted, and prayed. God put it on his heart to do something to help the people. In chapter two, he got the king’s permission to go down to Jerusalem and rebuild the wall. In fact, the king was so supportive, he even gave Nehemiah timber from his own forest to repair the gates.

 

In those days, a wall not only provided protection for the people, but it was a symbol of strength and dignity. Therefore, when Nehemiah realized that things were worse than he thought, he rallied the people to his side. He said, "You see the trouble. You see the condition that things are in.  We must do something about it! Let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem. We must no longer be in disgrace! Let us not be afraid because the gracious hand of God is upon me. And we have the king’s full support." The people replied, “Let us begin this good work! Let us rebuild the wall." In chapter three, the work begins. Nehemiah calls all kinds of people – including men of Jericho, perfume makers, and women – to help out with the rebuilding project. In fact, in verse twenty-two of chapter three, even the priests are out there working on a section of the wall.

 

When I first read about the priests working, I couldn’t help but think about how the Body of Christ is supposed to function – together! What we have in Nehemiah chapter three is a beautiful picture of what can be accomplished when all the people of faith come together. Far to often we have situations where a minority of people do the majority of the work. The church is a place where we all need to work together. We all must get involved in a ministry that magnifies the name of the Lord. In our Old Testament example, Nehemiah led the way and motivated the people! Everyone was fired up! Everyone worked together!

 

There are times when things are being done for God that great opposition rears its head. Look at this passage: “But it so happened, when Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, that he was furious and very indignant, and mocked the Jews. And he spoke before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, ‘What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they fortify themselves? ... Will they revive the stones from the heaps of rubbish - stones that are burned?’ Now Tobiah the Ammonite was beside him, and he said, ‘Whatever they build, if even a fox goes up on it, he will break down their stone wall.” (Nehemiah 4:1-3 NKJV)

 

Sanballat and Tobiah had no problem criticizing Nehemiah and his godly work. In fact, even today when you start working for the Lord and building His Kingdom, you will be criticized. It is inevitable that you will be ridiculed.

 

But watch how Nehemiah responds to the enemy’s voice. He doesn’t get discouraged. He doesn’t get defensive. He doesn’t get defiant. Instead, he does what we all should do when we hear voices of discouragement – he prays!

 

"Hear, O our God; for we are despised: and turn their reproach upon their own head, and give them for a prey in the land of captivity: And cover not their iniquity, and let not their sin be blotted out from before thee: for they have provoked thee to anger before the builders." (Nehemiah 4:4-5) In other words, "God, instead of taking matters into my own hands, I’m going to put them right back into your hands! I’m asking YOU to handle this situation! I’m asking you to intervene. I’m asking you to help."

 

Nehemiah knew that God was able. You and I must know that He still is. Matthew 6:33 says, "Seek ye FIRST the kingdom of God and His righteousness!" Don’t wait until you get desperate. Don’t wait until you’re out of options. Don’t wait until things get really ugly. We must learn to go to God first!

 

Lastly, notice in Nehemiah 4:6, that in spite of the opposition the people were facing, they kept on working with all their hearts! They didn’t allow discouraging voices to deter them. Before long, the wall was halfway done. The Jews’ enemies arise again at this point and try to discourage them again. In response, Nehemiah conducts a leadership seminar. He hires more people to guard the workers. Then in verse 14, he tells the people, "Do not be afraid of them: remember the Lord.”

 

In the end, by the gracious protection of Almighty God, the men of Israel never had to fight. By the time we get to Nehemiah chapter 6, the project is over. The wall was completed in 52 days. Instead of God’s people becoming dismayed and not completing their job, it was their enemy who ended up being discouraged!

 

In Nehemiah chapter 8, the people gathered together in front of the wall to celebrate the goodness of God. Ezra the scribe stood up and read from the Scriptures from daybreak till noon. The words were so touching and powerful that the people wept all morning long! Throughout chapters 9 and 10, the people rededicated their lives to the Lord. So God wasn’t just interested in rebuilding the wall, He was  interested in rebuilding the people.

 

Let us, as the body of Christ, arise and build for the glory of God. Let us be aware of and on our guard for the wiles of the world. Let us establish the Kingdom of God together so that we may magnify our Lord.