Faith Acting
Nehemiah 2 (Continued)
When considering the difficulties their children face, parents may mistakenly reason something like this: “Things aren’t any worse today than when I was a kid. I made it through okay and so can they.”
Such thinking can be dangerous. While it is true that man’s heart is unchanged “deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked” the moral fabric of twenty-first-century society is greatly degraded from that of one hundred, fifty, or even twenty-five years ago. Children are facing increased violence, open immorality and godlessness of a magnitude that most adults, when we were children, never had to face.
We also know that our blessed God has not changed, for “Jesus Christ [is] the same yesterday, and today, and forever. ” However, prayerful provision of necessary natural and spiritual protection requires parental understanding of the world children face today, not the world parents faced years ago.
Walking Before Talking!
In chapter 2:12-16 we find that Nehemiah doesn’t spend time talking about what he should do he just does it! He inspects and he motivates. Parents need to be both inspectors and motivators.
His inspection of the ruin and needs of the city was made by night. Efforts to deal with the problems your children face should not become a public spectacle of your spirituality or faithfulness, for that is pride. Dad and mom, carry on this vital work of preservation quietly and humbly, as in the night.
Gideon provides a helpful example. He was young, timid, and knew that he faced many enemies yet in a remarkable display of obedience, faith and spiritual courage he destroyed his father’s idolatrous grove and altar. But he did it by night, for he didn’t have the faith of a David who ran to meet Goliath. But though fearful that someone might notice his actions, Gideon still carried out God’s command and was blessed.
Don’t talk much do much! And do it in fear and trembling before God! Never allow a lack of courage to hinder you even if carrying on the spiritual protection of your family unnoticed at night.
Be a Motivator!
In verses 17-18, Nehemiah does four things. (1) He tells the truth about the condition of Jerusalem. (2) He stirs up his brethren to action that we be no more a reproach. (3) Nehemiah encourages them “I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me.” (4) He gains the desired response from his brethren, for they answer, “Let us rise up and build.”
How important to spiritually motivate your children while protecting your home. Gaining their hearts requires more than exhortation (stirring up). You must also use edification (building up) and comfort (binding up) not only words, but in action! When so motivated in love and tenderness, children will eagerly join in fellowship with you, saying, as it were, “Let us rise up and build!”
The First Attack Mockery
Verse 19 shows that those opposed to rebuilding the wall had increased in opposition to the Jews’ united desire to work. At first Nehemiah had been opposed by Sanballat and Tobiah (a Moabite and an Ammonite). Now they are joined by Geshem the Arabian. Moab and Ammon, children of Lot the nephew of Abraham, now ally themselves with the Arabians, descendents of Ishmael and of Esau. Perhaps the most subtle attacks against Christian homes come from religious (professing Christian) elements of society.
Balak, king of Moab, hired Balaam to curse Israel. Ammon allied himself with Amalek to fight against and oppress Israel. Ishmael mocked the son of promise (Isaac) and Esau despised his birthright.
The enemies’ first united attack (vs. 19) mocks and despises God’s great work, while questioning the authority and motives of Nehemiah. Dad and mom, separating your home from the world is a great work. Expect to be mocked and laughed at for your “religious legality.” Realize that your God-given parental authority will be constantly challenged. Don’t be surprised or intimidated by such opposition.
The First Defense Refusing Intimidation
Nehemiah’s reaction was decisive and to the point this faithful servant of God allows no compromise. First, he reclines on the divine authority, infinite power and unfailing resources of God: “The God of heaven, He will prosper us; therefore we... will arise and build” (Neh. 2:20).
Then he summarily rejects the attempted intrusion of those who wanted to hinder that good work: “Ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem” (vs. 20). Sanballat, Tobiah and Geshem had no claim on God’s promises of blessing (portion), they had no national title (right) to be in Jerusalem, God’s city, nor could they have part in God’s purposes of blessing for Israel (memorial).
Beloved parents, the same is true of you and your children. The world has no right or just claim to enter your home. Its attempts should be met with unequivocal rejection! The world even if coming as “an angel of light” does not belong there. Its godless customs, philosophies and habits must never be admitted into that blessed domain. Just say no!
“Love not the world.... All that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world” (1 John 2:15-16).
A Red Flag
On the other hand, if the world, rather than mocking and opposing, seems friendly and complimentary of your efforts to separate from its influences, be especially careful! Something is wrong!
Remember the first recorded words of the enemy to the people of God in Ezra’s day (those who came back to rebuild the temple): “Let us build with you: for we seek your God, as ye do” (Ezra 4:2)! Don’t be intimidated by the world’s ridicule or be fooled by its offer of compromise. Trust the Lord alone then, “Let us rise up and build”!
Ed.