rebuilding the wall, part 4

Upon undertaking the journey to Jerusalem, the first thing Nehemiah encountered was not a warm reception or unparalleled success, but opposition. In the nearly 150 years which had elapsed since the destruction of Jerusalem and exile of its people, opportunist outsiders had colonized the region. Nehemiah’s advent represented the third wave of returnees, and the squatters found their stakes increasingly threatened. Predictably, their reaction was hostile.

 

Jesus warned his disciples, and they reiterated the warning, that his followers will face opposition: “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first” (John 15:18, NLT; cf. 1 John 4:13). With the advent of Jesus, God announced that he was taking back what was once his; he began the rebuilding of a broken-down world. Yet there always have been, and always will be, those who defy him. When we build Kingdom outposts among us, we will be countered. Expect it. Prepare for it. Welcome it – because it means we are doing something right. Make no mistake; “thy Kingdom come” disturbs and uproots and displaces. Such is necessary to make room for the change and the life it brings.

 

In Nehemiah’s case, the backlash came from people in high places (2:10). Sanballat was governor of Samaria, Judah’s northern neighbor. And Tobiah was likewise a high-ranking official, probably the governor of the Transjordan region. These men made no effort to hide their dissatisfaction with the rebuilding project. But Nehemiah had the authorization of the king. When it comes to doing God’s work, we must remember that we have the backing of the King. We may come up against powerful antagonists, but in those moments of conflict, let us ask: Who is greater – those standing in our way or the one who has our back?

 

Interestingly, Scripture gives no record of Nehemiah responding with diplomacy or conciliation. He wasted no time on such measures, knowing his opponents would be happy with nothing less than the subjugation of his people. So his first response was simply to ignore them. Amidst their protests, he rode to Jerusalem where he surveyed the extent of the damage and the work to be done (2:11-15). He pressed on. He realized that yielding, even for a moment, was playing into their hands. Each day the walls were not being rebuilt was one more day that God’s people remained captive. Do we share this sense of urgency and resolve? Do we realize that our mission is the one begun by Jesus – proclaiming freedom to the captives (Luke 4:18)? Our enemy desires no less than the enslavement of God’s image-bearers.

 

Later, when hostilities escalated, Nehemiah was forced to change tactics. With adversaries throwing around words like “rebellion” and “treason” he could no longer remain silent in the forum of public opinion (2:19). Still, he did not waiver, and he did not react predictably. Because he had the blessing of the king, we might expect him to counter by producing official documentation bearing the royal insignia. Instead, he went straight to the top: “The God of heaven will help us succeed” (2:20).

 

There are at least two reasons for this. First, he recognized the protests as a pretext; the bottom line was a hatred of God’s people and purpose. So Nehemiah invoked the necessary authority: “You may hate us, and you may hate what we are doing, but hatred cannot stop God. We will prevail.” Second, it shows that he depended upon God – and not the king – for his vindication.

 

Friends, the battle for the hearts and souls of people is very real. And as we proclaim the Gospel, we are certain to encounter opposition. Let us not be discouraged when it comes, but remain focused and resolute. Let us press on, knowing that the coming of the Kingdom changes everything. Let us join our God in rebuilding this fallen world.