A Unifying Wall
10 Meanwhile, the people in Judah said, "The strength of the laborers is giving out, and there is so much rubble that we cannot rebuild the wall."
11 Also our enemies said, "Before they know it or see us, we will be right there among them and will kill them and put an end to the work."
12 Then the Jews who lived near them came and told us ten times over, "Wherever you turn, they will attack us."
13 Therefore I stationed some of the people behind the lowest points of the wall at the exposed places, posting them by families, with their swords, spears and bows. 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."
15 When our enemies heard that we were aware of their plot and that God had frustrated it, we all returned to the wall, each to his own work.
16 From that day on, half of my men did the work, while the other half were equipped with spears, shields, bows and armor. The officers posted themselves behind all the people of Judah 17 who were building the wall. Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other, 18 and each of the builders wore his sword at his side as he worked. But the man who sounded the trumpet stayed with me.
Reflection of Bee:
There were times, we felt discouraged by what we saw or heard. We may look at our problems that are too great to overcome. But thank God for encouraging us through fellow Christians who see beyond the problems and see God's greatness and faithfulness toward His people. God will always fight for us when we follow His way.
Like in the above passage, we need to learn to encourage each other instead of tearing each other down. We have to be on guard of our 'enemies' as we do the work of God. We need to be united as we build the 'wall' of God together.
Dear Lord,
Forgive me for saying things that may be discouraging at times. Teach me to speak words of encouragement and life. I pray for unity of spirit to build Your 'house'. Help me to be on guard against the enemy's weapon of sowing discords or disunity amongst fellow Christians. May Your love unite us together.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Reflection of Tommy:
Recently, I met up with this young couple from my church who was assigned to missionary work in China. They shared about their task of learning the rural ethnic dialects and languages and doing Bible translation work. It is a rather difficult task with all kinds of obstacle and setback during the years they were there.
But, what keep them going are their strong focus on God’s purposes for their lives and knowing God’s special purpose for their project. Also, like how Nehemiah’s workers looking out for each others while building the wall, the enormous love, encouragement and prayers from our church members has greatly helped them in their mission to expand God’s kingdom.
Dear Father, thank You for reminding me not to cut myself off from others while doing the works for Your kingdom. Thank You for the opportunities to work with my brothers and sisters in Christ to bring more to know You. Show to me how You can use me for Your kingdom and the plans You have for my life to please and glorify You. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.
