Sunday, November 15, 1998 This Week's Lesson:
In this week's lesson, which came from Nehemiah 4:1-3, 6-12, 14, and 19-20, we learned about the importance of overcoming opposition and the impact of that opposition on our work for the Lord. To effectively handle those who would cause us difficulty, it is necessary that we learn to ignore ridicule, take opposition seriously, counter discouragement, and prepare for crises. While Nehemiah led a group of workers to get the walls around Jerusalem rebuilt, he encountered all kinds of difficulty. Sanballat, who was one of those who opposed the rebuilding, became very angry when he learned about the success of the work on the walls. So, he ridiculed and criticized the work and the workers, and he openly put them down, suggesting that they could not rebuild the walls or restore their former level of worship. Another of those who rose up against them, Tobiah, criticized the quality of their work by saying that even a fox climbing the wall would break it down. Nehemiah's way to respond to those critics was to record that the people continued their work with all their heart and that they ignored those who opposed them.
While not letting their critics stop them, Nehemiah and his co-workers did take their adversaries seriously. Because there was a real possibility for physical danger, the people prayed and asked the Lord for protection and help. They also posted a guard, night and day, to watch for trouble. God works according to a spiritual division of labor. He does for us those things that we cannot do for ourselves, but He leaves for us to do those things which we can do. In time, the people became discouraged by the strength of their enemies and by all the work that had not been done. But Nehemiah encouraged them to not be afraid. He told them to be pleased by all the work that had been done. And instead of agreeing with them that their cup was half empty, he countered by telling them that their cup was half full. He even tried to encourage them further by sharing that their work would benefit their families and all of Judah. When we are working for the Lord and feeling the attacks of our enemies, we can be encouraged by the continual presence of our Lord and also by the successes, however small, which we have enjoyed.
Working for the Lord can be difficult. Therefore, we should accept our share of the work, and we should also encourage one another. Proverbs 24:10 says, "If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small." In the coming week, ask the Holy Spirit to show you how you can take part in the Lord's work and take a few moments to pray for others who are also working for Him.
Tom of Spotswood"He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." (I John 5:12)
"And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13)
Send email to: tlee6040@aol.com