Nehemiah : WK 5 - TUE
Protection
Nehemiah 4:6-9
At last the wall was completed to half its height around the entire city, for the people had worked with enthusiasm.
But when Sanballat and Tobiah and the Arabs, Ammonites, and Ashdodites heard that the work was going ahead and that the gaps in the wall of Jerusalem were being repaired, they were furious. They all made plans to come and fight against Jerusalem and throw us into confusion. But we prayed to our God and guarded the city day and night to protect ourselves.
In a previous study, we found that one of the advantages of teamwork is the capacity to remain strong amid perilous situations. Our narrative shifts from passive aggression to the potential for genuine physical violence as Nehemiah’s enemies become increasingly desperate. The threat escalates, and the builders need growing amounts of resilience. Fortunately, they are not alone.
I have rarely experienced anything resembling these conditions. However, I have faced attacks from adversaries seeking to undermine work that is important to me. For example, a year and a half ago, a group of individuals seized upon some misinformation and launched an attack on Crosswalk Chattanooga through a series of articles. It quickly became apparent that they weren’t interested in uncovering the truth. Their aim was to eliminate the enemy, and we were in their crosshairs.
When this occurs, it’s hard not to overreact. Instinct pushes us to come out swinging, with our backs against the wall. Too often, we mirror the enemy's tactics, thinking, “they did it first.” Besides, all is fair in love and war, right?
Remember, our responsibility is to follow Jesus, not to win some turf war. This includes protecting yourself whenever possible, just as Nehemiah’s workers must do. It also involves centering ourselves on Jesus through prayer and practice.
The writer of Proverbs reminds us, “The name of the LORD is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.” (18:10) Notice that safety comes “in the name of the Lord.” This safety doesn’t mean we can’t be touched; it means Jesus has control of how our story ends. Put another way, Jesus says in John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Whatever today’s attack may be, take heart. Be at peace. Run to the name of Jesus.
Nehemiah 4:6-9
At last the wall was completed to half its height around the entire city, for the people had worked with enthusiasm.
But when Sanballat and Tobiah and the Arabs, Ammonites, and Ashdodites heard that the work was going ahead and that the gaps in the wall of Jerusalem were being repaired, they were furious. They all made plans to come and fight against Jerusalem and throw us into confusion. But we prayed to our God and guarded the city day and night to protect ourselves.
In a previous study, we found that one of the advantages of teamwork is the capacity to remain strong amid perilous situations. Our narrative shifts from passive aggression to the potential for genuine physical violence as Nehemiah’s enemies become increasingly desperate. The threat escalates, and the builders need growing amounts of resilience. Fortunately, they are not alone.
I have rarely experienced anything resembling these conditions. However, I have faced attacks from adversaries seeking to undermine work that is important to me. For example, a year and a half ago, a group of individuals seized upon some misinformation and launched an attack on Crosswalk Chattanooga through a series of articles. It quickly became apparent that they weren’t interested in uncovering the truth. Their aim was to eliminate the enemy, and we were in their crosshairs.
When this occurs, it’s hard not to overreact. Instinct pushes us to come out swinging, with our backs against the wall. Too often, we mirror the enemy's tactics, thinking, “they did it first.” Besides, all is fair in love and war, right?
Remember, our responsibility is to follow Jesus, not to win some turf war. This includes protecting yourself whenever possible, just as Nehemiah’s workers must do. It also involves centering ourselves on Jesus through prayer and practice.
The writer of Proverbs reminds us, “The name of the LORD is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.” (18:10) Notice that safety comes “in the name of the Lord.” This safety doesn’t mean we can’t be touched; it means Jesus has control of how our story ends. Put another way, Jesus says in John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Whatever today’s attack may be, take heart. Be at peace. Run to the name of Jesus.
- Who do you consider a protector in your life?
- Who are you trying to protect? How is that going?
- What situation is jeopardizing your peace? What do you want to say to Jesus about it?
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