Seeds for 09/13/2024 - Nehemiah 2:20
Scripture:
20 I answered them by saying, “The God of heaven will give us success. We His servants will start rebuilding, but as for you, you have no share in Jerusalem or any claim or historic right to it.”
Observation:
Yesterday, we observed that the three antagonists—Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem—resorted to ridicule and mockery upon witnessing the growing inertia of Nehemiah’s vision. Nehemiah has effectively surveyed and evaluated the situation. He has marshaled resources and motivated the people.
Today we see how Nehemiah responds to their mockery and derision.
First, he expresses confidence in God for their success, not himself, his leadership, or the people’s efforts. God is the originator of this vision and He will see it through. Nehemiah and the people are important, but God is essential to the rebuild project’s success.
Second, notice that he is now speaking not in the singular but in the plural—“will give us success.” Also, “We His servants…” This is no longer about a “Nehemiah project.” The vision has been embraced by the people. Nehemiah isn’t working on a solo project. This is a move of God that has expanded to encompass others.
Third, Nehemiah declares they they will move forward with the work: “We His servants will start rebuilding.” They will not be distracted or intimidated. The vision compels them despite the opponents’ efforts to derail them.
Fourth, Nehemiah points out that this isn’t even a true concern for these antagonists. They do not have a share in Jerusalem or its future. In other words, their vision and interest is to see the Israelites fail. But, circling back to the beginning, Nehemiah’s confidence for success is grounded in God’s faithfulness.
Application:
When has it been tempting to be distracted from a vision or project by detractors? Have the detractors ever been voices in your own head?
What else might the Holy Spirit be speaking with you about in the text today?
Prayer: Lord, when we are encountering opposition—from within or from outside—keep our eyes and our confidence squarely on you. Amen.
“But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” (Matthew 13:23)
If you liked this post from Seeds of Faith, why not share it and/or subscribe?
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™