Nehemiah- Rebuilding and RenewalSample

The wall has been rebuilt, but there is still work to do. Again, opposition arises- this time in what appears to be on more friendly terms.“Come, let us meet together in one of the villages on the plain of Ono.” A simple invitation to come and meet- what harm could that do?

But Nehemiah knows from whom the invitation comes; he knows their hearts and their agenda. “They were plotting to harm me” (v2). A simple chat with these schemers ‘on the plains of Ono’, and Nehemiah would be at risk of losing his way.

Beware the power of distraction. Distraction leads to moments of ‘Oh no’.

‘Oh no. What is it that I am meant to be doing here?’

‘On no. Where did the last several hours go?’

‘Oh no. What do those people really think about me?’

‘Oh no’ easily becomes the cry of the distracted and doubting.

Fear grips. Uncertainty ensues. Paralysis sets in. And the vision dies. Oh no.

The ‘oh no’ moments have the power to divert and derail the purposes of God for our lives. We must be ruthless in eliminating them.

Look at Nehemiah’s response: I sent messengers to them with this reply: “I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and go down to you?” No apology. No excuse making. No bluster, and no beating around the bush!

Read it again: “I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down.” Here is conviction of the importance of one’s work, and commitment to see it through. Remember, Nehemiah’s confidence is in the Lord- there is no hint of self-importance here; only a non-compromising, clear understanding of the job at hand.

Four times the call comes to meet, and each time Nehemiah refuses. Then come the accusations (v6-7) and false prophecies (v10-13), and each time Nehemiah stands in truth, and looks to God for strength (v9).

Reflect:

What are the distractions in your life?

What do you need to put in place to ruthlessly eliminate them?

Do you have a vision for your life’s purpose- your ‘great project’? Write it down.