A God-Centered Disciple Faces Opposition

Rev. Dr. Leslie Taylor, preaching

This week, I want to encourage you to read Nehemiah 4:1-6:19 because we will only focus on Nehemiah 6:1-19. Nehemiah 6 will make more sense to you if you read Chapters 4 and 5.

So, what is happening in these three chapters? In Chapter 4, Nehemiah faces ridicule from Sanballat and the others when they hear that he and the Jewish people are successfully rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem. Sanballat and Tobiah call the Jewish people insulting names and seem to encourage them to turn their backs on God. However, their plan did not succeed "because the people were eager to work" (Nehemiah 4:6). The people chose to work all day and all night, with half of the people standing guard to protect the builders and the families.

Chapter 5 demonstrates what can happen when projects take too long or communication is unclear. Internal unrest sets in, and Nehemiah uses his skills as a conflict mediator to bring people together to focus on the work.

Chapter 6 is my favorite of the three. Why? Because despite outside opposition and internal unrest, they worked together to finish the project. I laugh when I read this chapter because Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem all plot to stop Nehemiah and invite him to a meeting on the Plain of Ono. I know what the text says, but I read it as "Oh No!" How often do people try to invite us to come to the land of "Oh No!" How often do we tell ourselves we must be in the land of "Oh No!" Despite those who want to carry us to the land of Oh No, when we have a mind to work and are unified in God's plan, we can overcome any opposition.

Based on Nehemiah 4:1 - 6:19

 Music this week:

• I Have a Hope

• Build My Life

• You Are My Hiding Place

• Hungry (falling on my knees)

• Protector of My Soul

• Thy Word