Expect enemies! (Nehemiah reflection #2)
The Prosperity ‘gospel’ often breeds ‘soft’ Christians who quickly crumble when enemies and opposition arise. After all, according to this false gospel, when trials come up or times are tough, it’s because you don’t have enough faith.
None of that thinking is biblical.
Nehemiah, under God’s good hand, has returned from Persia to Judah, to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Israel, you might remember, had been punished with the Babylonian exile for refusing to listen to the repeated warnings by God through his prophets that their rebellion and unrighteousness was evil in God’s sight, and that they would be punished if they didn’t repent.
Now, on the other side of the exile, God is staying true to another of his faithful promises: to preserve a remnant and chosen line among his hard-hearted people. And under God, Nehemiah is playing a small part in seeing God’s people resettled in the promised land.
But right from the onset it’s clear that these plans of God, and so God’s people like Nehemiah, will be opposed by the enemies of God’s people and of God himself. This theme, like the one on prayer, comes through again and again.
In Nehemiah 2, after Nehemiah’s initial conversation with the Persian King about returning home to Judah, one of the things Nehemiah has to request is letters of safe passage until he reaches Judah (2:7). He even has to have an armed escort.
In chapter 2 again we are told that ‘When Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard that someone had come to pursue the prosperity of the Israelites, they were greatly displeased’ (2:10). The two men are Governors of Samaria and Ammon respectively, and in fact I think that ‘displeased’ translation is linked to the Hebrew word ‘ra i.e. the good of Israel was seen as ‘evil’ in their sight. In other words they see as ‘evil’ the good of God’s people.
Later, in chapter 4 when Nehemiah’s plans for the rebuilding of the wall continue, we’re told that the Governor of neighbouring Samaria (to the North) became furious. And he decided to try discouraging the builders by mocking and slandering them. And the Governor of Ammon (to the East) added in his own scorn (4:1-3).
And then again in chapter 4 we’re told that in reality the opposition to Israel is in every direction. Because not only are the Governors to the North and East against them, but also powerful men to the South (the Arabs) and the West (Ashdodites). All around, the enemies to God’s people increase. It’s scary situation for the small Jewish population. It looks like God’s people will be crushed.
So, what was Nehemiah’s response?
Firstly, it’s what we saw in our first Nehemiah reflection: there was prayer, they committed this to the Lord. ‘Listen, our God, for we are despised…’ (4:4) ‘So we prayed to our God…’ (4:9).
Secondly, in their struggle with fear, they remembered the Lord: ‘Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the great and awe-inspiring Lord…’ (4:14)
So, we need to keep these things in mind:
1. The enemies to God’s plans and purposes will always oppose God’s people. One of the things Nehemiah reminds us is that we are to expect enemies.
2. While things end mostly well for Nehemiah and the people, we also need to remember that at times, God’s enemies will do real damage to God’s people. And the fear and struggles will be real.
3. Lastly through, God’s plans, and his plans for his people, will always [eventually] succeed. Yes there may be winding roads, but the One we look to holds the long view of history and our stories and he will bring justice. And even if the enemies of God and his people throw all their might against God and his people… they will not ultimately succeed. Those who continue in rebellion against God have, this side of Jesus’ death, been given their final letter of warning. Their destruction was sealed at the cross and by the resurrection of Jesus from the dead.
In part this means that, while the dangers and knocks and bruises are real for God’s people, in the ultimate sense, we are safe. Safe because of the one who holds and keeps us.
For further reflection on the enemies to God’s people: Ephesians 6:10-20 (the spiritual forces); Luke 6:22-23 (other people); Galatians 5:16-18 (our flesh).
