RESTORING WALLS!
Nehemiah 4:14
“After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, ‘Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the LORD, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.'”
Ezra had previously returned to Jerusalem with a remnant of the exiles who had survived the 70 years of exile. Ezra and his remnant had rebuilt the temple, but they faced oppression and conflict with the people living in that area, many of whom had been moved them from their original homes, much like the Palestinians in modern day Israel.
We read in Nehemiah 1:3, that he a sad report was given. “They said to me, ‘Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.’ “
Nehemiah was crushed and heart-broken. For days he mourned and fasted as he cried out to the Lord. The Lord heard his prayer and gave him favor with the king. He was allowed to return to Jerusalem with 42,360 Israelites and 7,337 servants. Their task was to rebuild the walls of the city.
It was a dismal scene which greeted them and there was considerable opposition. It just seemed to be more than they were able to accomplish. It was then that Nehemiah gave the encouragement that we find in today’s passage. The reason they were to have courage and not be afraid was because it was the Lord Himself who was great and awesome and who would give the people the strength to withstand their enemies.
Question time! What walls need rebuilding in your life? I am not talking about walls of separation, but walls of stability and purpose in your life. Who are the enemies who oppose you? What are your weapons to defend against these foes? Nehemiah encouraged the people by reminding them of who their God was and how great and mighty is His name. We need to keep that in our mind as well. We serve a God who is above all of our adversaries! We need to begin living as more than conquerors!
Take a look at the walls which are broken down in your life — the gates which have been burned. Ask the Lord to give you the strength and determination to see to the rebuilding of those walls. Do not be overcome by the world, but overcome the world through Him who is there beside you to bring the victory.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil