Caring for the Marginalised
A good general who is leading his troops against a strong enemy would know that winning the battle is not just a matter of weapons and military tactics; it also depends on the morale and unity of the men.
Robert M. Solomon served as Bishop of The Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000-2012. He now has an active itinerant ministry of preaching and teaching in Singapore and abroad. He is the author of 19 books, including The Race, The Conscience, The Sermon of Jesus and Faithful to the End.
A good general who is leading his troops against a strong enemy would know that winning the battle is not just a matter of weapons and military tactics; it also depends on the morale and unity of the men.
In today’s reading, we delve further into the details of Nehemiah’s defensive measures. Realising that there is a spiritual battle going on, Nehemiah takes measures to ensure the work on the wall can proceed uninterrupted.
A person may be able to ignore insulting words, but the threat of violence is an entirely different matter. Furious that the work on the wall is progressing well, the enemies of the Jews-Arabs, Ammonites and Ashdodites-plot to ″come and fight against Jerusalem″ (Nehemiah 4:7-8).
When we are insulted and mocked, what should we do? Nehemiah could have tried to engage his opponents and debate with them as to why the building project would succeed. He knows well, however, that this would be a waste of time.
When we carry out God’s work, we can expect difficulties and discouragement; Satan is never happy when God is obeyed and His work done.
The poor attitude of the Tekoan nobles is not mentioned again. However, today’s reading emphasises Nehemiah’s great leadership abilities to mobilise all to get involved in the work.
The work that we do for God seldom goes smoothly. Unforeseen circumstances or opposition from adversaries can present formidable obstacles. Sometimes, problems may arise from within.
Billy Graham wrote, ″The purpose of this Christian society called ‘the church’ is first to glorify God by our worship.″ His words underline the central importance of worship. Nehemiah knew this too.
Nehemiah’s able and inspiring leadership is shown in the way he rallies the people. First, he points them to the mess they are in (Nehemiah 2:17), something they are aware of but do not know how to resolve.
YMI (which stands for Why Am I?), is a platform for Christian young people all over the world to ask questions about life and discover their true purpose. We are a community with different talents but the same desire to make sense of God’s life-changing word in our everyday lives.
YMI is a part of Our Daily Bread Ministries.
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