I keep learning a hard lesson, comparable to repeating a module in my walk with Christ (the way of the Spirit of God).
See, the thing about a believer’s life is that the Holy Spirit is our Teacher hence “He will teach you ALL things” [John 14:26; 16:12-14, 1 John 2:27, 1 Corinthians 2:12-13]. And so, if you do not discern and learn what you are being taught or revealed to in that season you will find yourself going through a “Reassessment” all over again.
What is the lesson; OUR FAITH IN-CHRIST MUST BE TRIED AND TESTED, REFINED AND PURIFIED consequently purging (of the Conscience) and forging (of the New Heart) by a spirit of judgment and a spirit of fire. [Hebrews 9:13-14; 12:28-29, Acts 2:3-4].
Psalm 11:5 states that the Lord tests the righteous and the wicked, it is through this process that we a PROVEN through the help of the Holy Spirit thereby called and set apart for purpose of God [Isaiah 4, Romans 5:3-5].
When God calls you (conviction by the Holy Spirit), and choses to use you as a vessel for honour, sanctified [set apart for a special purpose and], useful to the Master, prepared for every good work [2 Timothy 2:20-21]. He then reveals His plans and purposes for you (knowing your identity IN-Christ). In return, it your choice to obey His Will for you and pursue it - the walk of faith [Deuteronomy 30:18-20]. The executing of His Will and the process of Becoming who you were meant to be will often Awaken Opposition within (flesh) and without (world) [Matthew 10:16-39, Luke 6:22, John 15:18-25].
Why? Because in the “Program of God” …Kingdom Agenda HE will often go against the grain/norm, use the least qualified, follow the most ‘foolish way’, overrule and rebuke the authorities (gatekeepers) that be and overturn the status quo. This makes those who pursue their call IN-Christ to be the most MISUNDERSTOOD lot and incredibly VULNERABLE.
Let us examine the Call of Nehemiah and because of the weight of His assignment, the kind of OPPOSITION (trials and obstacles) he faced as he executed the Will of God and how he overcame - the Triumphs of Faith [Hebrews 11]. Dealing with PERSECUTION from the enemy and OBSTACLES of faith in the midst of your assignment for God’s Kingdom is meant to test your faith in God [with confidence in Him and His Word].
So, one can be justified by faith, gaining [divine] approval through their faith… thereby growing righteous IN-HIM, empowered through Him, giving Him the glory [Romans 1:17; 4, Galatians 3:11, Hebrews 10:38].
Nehemiah which means ‘God comforts’ has received conviction from the Lord ‘the anointing to rebuild’ [Isaiah 61:4]. He is to leave his prominent and stable position in exile, serving in the Persian government as the trusted cupbearer to the king. Then to RETURN and REBUILD THE WALLS OF JERUSALEM. God used his proximity to the Persian king with the sitting queen then as - Queen Esther, and influence of his position to become an agent of restoration for the nation of Israel (Esther-preserve the remnants, Nehemiah-rebuild the wall, and Ezra-rebuild the temple).
Rebuilding the Wall of Jerusalem was no easy task ‘rebuilding from the foundations of ruins’ And in Nehemiah’s words “The work is great and extensive, and we are separated on the wall, far from one another…. [Nehemiah 4:19, Isaiah 58:12] In the ancient days’ walls were landmarks with some being built up to 380 feet thick and over 100 feet high -- massive, tremendous wall which were the defence for the cities a symbol of strength and protection. At the time, Jerusalem was the holy city; the royal city of God, His earthly dwelling place [2 Chronicles 6.6; 7.16, Psalm 132:13-14, Joel 3:17-21, Hebrews 12:22]. Therefore, the reconstruction of this Wall was God depicting a picture of once again fortifying His dwelling place ‘re-establishing the strength of that life’- rebuilt into Strength, Power and Purpose again.
When Nehemiah’s request is granted by the Persian king to return and do the Lord’s Work-Kingdom assignment. Upon the “wind” of his arrival and his intentions made known, before he could even start…his plans were already ruffling the feathers. The enemy perceived his agenda consequently, it is stated …. Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard this, it caused them great displeasure that someone had come to see about the welfare and prosperity of the Israelites. Opposition is rising, the beginning of strong RESISTANCE FACED BY NEHEMIAH in undertaking this Restoration Project. For this reason, Apostle Paul in Ephesians 6:12 inform us that for our struggle is Not against flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this [present] darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) places.
Now, Nehemiah encountered two types of opposition when Rebuilding the Wall of Jerusalem they include External Forces (opposition without) and Internal Forces (opposition within).
- Opposition without (External Forces)
These are external resistances ‘identified as pressures or negative influences that come from outside an individual or community, often challenging/testing their faith, values, and obedience to God.’ Subsequently, Nehemiah was confronted by…
- Criticism, Anger, hatred and Ridicule (to mock) (Nehemiah 4:1-3)
We are told …But when Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official and Geshem the Arab heard about it, they mocked us and regarded us with contempt and said, “What is this thing you are doing? Are you rebelling against the king?”
This sarcasm was meant to plant “seeds of Doubt” so that Nehemiah will feel INADEQUATE, INSECURE and LOWER HIS ESTEEM. Jon Bloom asserts that “Kingdom work is supernatural work, no matter what your calling is. If it doesn’t require real faith, a desperate dependence on God to be with you in order to succeed, then either it’s not God’s calling or you don’t get it yet.”
Thus, Nehemiah responds with CONFIDENCE and TRUE CONVICTION for the Mission, “The God of heaven [has appointed us for His purpose and] will give us success; therefore, we His servants will arise and build, but you have no portion, right, or memorial in Jerusalem.” …
- Scheming, threats of attack and disorder (Nehemiah 4:7-8)
This was aimed to make him and coalition of workers in Jerusalem to FEEL BURDENED thereby being DISCOURAGED and feeling CRUSHED in spirit [Psalm 34:17-18; 42:11]
But they OVERCAME THROUGH PRAYER a proof of DEPENDENCE ON God, But we prayed to our God, and because of them we set up a guard against them day and night.
- Manipulation and Coercion (Nehemiah 6:1-2)
They tried TRICKING and DISTRACTING him into meeting them as a gesture of goodwill, but Nehemiah DISCERNED that they had HIDDEN MOTIVE (to harm him). He gave them an answer thru’ a messenger that he will not stop working to conference with them this was a distraction for the work of the Lord [Nehemiah 6:3-4].
Four times they persisted for this meet up but he gave the same answer “I am doing a great work and cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave to come down to [meet with] you?” [Nehemiah 6:3-4].
- False Accusations (Nehemiah 6:5-7)
They tried to FRAME HIM by labelling him into a FALSE ROLE.
But he REBUKED THEM saying, “Such things as you are saying have not been done; you are inventing them in your own mind.”
He was SECURE that God would STRENGTHEN His hands [Nehemiah 6:7-9], for it is written in Isaiah 41:10 ‘Do not fear [anything], for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, be assured I will help you; I will certainly take hold of you with My righteous right hand [a hand of justice, of power, of victory, of salvation].’
- Betrayal and disloyalty (Nehemiah 6:10)
They tried to BAIT him or LURE HIM “IN THE NAME OF God” in this case house of God. This type of treachery is also known as FISHING, - something that is good – something that the fish cannot resist – and then hide a barbed dagger inside it to hook them as soon as they indulge.
But he PERCEIVED their deception which would lead to a tragic demise Then I realized that God had not sent him, but he spoke this prophecy against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. [Nehemiah 6:12-13].
- Opposition within (Internal Forces)
These are “inner forces are the underlying motivations and thoughts within an individual that shape their actions and moral choices. These inner dynamics play a significant role in guiding a person's behavior and ethical considerations, influencing how they respond to various situations in life. When temptation comes along, for instance, our first inclination is to rationalize, justify, excuse, and accommodate. Understanding these inner forces is essential for personal growth and making decisions aligned with one's faith and values.”
Once again Nehemiah is provoked by…
- Exhaustion/Burnout, Murmuring and Complaining (Nehemiah 4:11-23)
The workers in Jerusalem were WEARY and in such as state one easily becomes VULNERABLE and experiences HOPELESSNESS. This caused them to go into PANIC mode stemming from FEAR and INTIMADITION by the enemy.
When I saw their fear, I stood and said to the nobles and officials and the rest of the people: “Do not be afraid of them; [confidently] remember the Lord who is great and awesome, and [with courage from Him] fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and for your homes.”
Nehemiah again demonstrates ASSURANCE and SECURITY in God hence his answer… God will frustrate their plans … Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, gather to us there. Our God will fight for us.” He has no doubt that THE BATTLE BELONGS TO GOD as it is written in 1 Samuel 17:47 and that this entire assembly may know that the Lord does not save with the sword or with the spear; for the battle is the Lord’s and He will hand you over to us.”
- Selfish greed (Nehemiah 5:1-13)
They were EXPLOITING/ABUSING one another for SELFISH AMBITION and GAIN. However, Galatians 5:13-14 warns us, For you, my brothers, were called to freedom; only do not let your freedom become an opportunity for the sinful nature (worldliness, selfishness), but through love serve and seek the best for one another. For the whole Law [concerning human relationships] is fulfilled in one precept, “You shall love your neighbour as yourself [that is, you shall have an unselfish concern for others and do things for their benefit].”
Nehemiah REBUKED the authority in place; the nobles and the rulers and CHASTISED them to a place of ACCOUNTABILITY…I said to them, “You are exacting usury (excessive interest) from your own brother (relative).” So I held a great assembly to confront them. I said to them, “According to our ability we have redeemed (purchased back) our Jewish brothers who were sold to the [Gentile] nations; now would you even sell your brothers, that they might be sold to us?” Then they were silent and could not find a [single] word to say.
Despite the Persecution and Obstacles Nehemiah encountered, the Bible shows that he was able to overcome by drawing His strength from God, discerning with Wisdom from God, relying on his God given community for support and constant dependence on God through prayer. Because of this, he was able to accomplish a ‘mission impossible’. It is for this reason that we witness Rebuilding of the Wall from the ruins/rubble in just 52 days (twenty-fifth day of Elul). What was impossible for 70 years became POSSIBLE in matter of days. Jesus said in Matthew 19:26 “With people [as far as it depends on them] it is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” His anointing carried divine acceleration, a sense of urgency to the restoration.
Through Nehemiah’s story the Holy Spirit demonstrates to us figuratively the Spiritual Warfare (External and Internal forces) every believer IN-Christ encounter on their pathway to fulfilling Kingdom agenda…perfecting God’s Will in your life. When it comes to anything that advances the Kingdom of God, the enemy will constantly fight it, opposing it because it is a threat to his agenda (through pride and self-worship he enticed mankind into sin or falsehood thereby causing them to rebel against the Word of God [Genesis 3, Isaiah 14:12-15].
Now, God allows the opposition both within and without in order to
- Open new doors i.e. a new wall for Jerusalem to fortify the city once again
- Test our faith i.e. Job
- Prove our calling (affirm our identity) i.e. Jesus led into wilderness
- Refine and purify our motives i.e. David did not kill Saul
- Train us to righteousness (develop & sustain godliness- Crown of Righteousness) i.e. Joseph vs Potiphar’s wife.
- Build our trust in Him and shifting our perspective on Him i.e. Peter walks on water
As a believer IN-Christ the Holy Spirit illuminating the Word of God teaches us how to be an overcomer. Like Nehemiah one must
-Know and discern the revealed Will of God concerning you on this earth. [Jeremiah 29:11-14]
-Be able to employ tools of Spiritual Warfare the Armor of God as prescribed in Ephesians 6:10-18
-Understand God’s timing and seasons of execution with divine alignment [Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, 1 Chronicles 12:32]
Subsequently, Blessed are those who are persecuted ...for the World opposes a New Creation IN-Christ [Matthew 5:10-12]. God has called you, believe in the cause… the greater the Kingdom assignment; the more intense is the opposition. However, understand that you are God’s instrument of choice and heaven is backing you. Have faith in the One who sent you. Do not allow your spirit to be deterred, the battle is the Lord’s. Stay faithful your reward is sure, like Shadrack Meshach and Abednego …. the fire will not consume you. Great destinies are forged through life’s furnace of afflictions so that you may wear the Crown of eternity (The Crown of Life) [Matthew 10:40-42, James 1:12, Revelation 2:10]. As you beginning the chapter where God has commissioned you on the ground to rebuild “the wall”. Stand firm and do retreat, serve with courage, wisdom and boldness. Above all, keep your eyes on Jesus Christ, victory is right ahead of you!
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