Danger and Distraction http://overviewbible.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Nehemiah_overview_bible1.jpg The Critics: Danger and Distraction Nehemiah 4

Jerusalem is encircled by hostile nations represented by these three, Sanballat of Samaria Tobiah of Ammon Geshem of Moab, Edom, Arabia

Nehemiah 4:7-21 Sanballat and Tobiah heard that Jerusalem’s walls continued to be repaired. The Arabs, the Ammonites and the people of Ashdod heard about it too. They heard that the gaps in the wall were being filled in. So they were very angry. All of them made evil plans to come and fight against Jerusalem. They wanted to stir up trouble against it. But we prayed to our God. We put guards on duty day and night to watch out for danger.

Discouragement: During that time, the people in Judah spoke up Discouragement: During that time, the people in Judah spoke up. They said, “The workers are getting weaker and weaker all the time. Broken stones are piled up everywhere. They are in our way. So we can’t rebuild the wall.” Danger: And our enemies said, “We will be right there among them. We’ll kill them. We’ll put an end to their work. We’ll do it before they even know it or see us.” …

Dedication: From that day on, half of my men did the work Dedication: From that day on, half of my men did the work. The other half were given spears, shields, bows and armor. … We worked from the first light of sunrise until the stars came out at night. So we continued the work. … Each man kept his weapon with him, even when he went to get water.

Discouragement is countered with prayer rooted in character of God. Danger is countered with effective defense. Denial is extremely counterproductive! Dedication keeps them at their post and on task, even when the work becomes very complicated and difficult. (Since we are working on Nehemiah’s external enemies, I invite you to read Nehemiah 5 on your own. Here he challenges internal enemies who have abused their own people. Leadership requires decency.)

Nehemiah 6:1-6 Distraction Sanballat, Tobiah and Geshem, the Arab, heard about what I had done. So did the rest of our enemies. All of them heard I had rebuilt the wall. In fact, they heard there weren’t any gaps left in it. … Sanballat and Geshem sent me a message. They said, “Come. Let’s talk with one another. Let’s meet in one of the villages on the plain of Ono.” (about 30 miles NW of Jerusalem) Eastman’s Bible Dictionary

But they were planning to harm me But they were planning to harm me. So I sent messengers to them with my answer. I replied, “I’m working on a huge project. So I can’t get away. Why should the work stop while I leave it? Why should I go down and talk with you?” They sent me the same message four times. And I gave them the same answer each time.

Such an insidious attack! Distraction. Do any of you know of C.S. Lewis’ book “Screwtape Letters”? The advice to the apprentice devil is to try any variety of things to distract or dissuade the young Christian he is trying to divert. Something is bound to work! Do something else, somewhere else. Leave behind your work AND the secure defenses you have created.