Nehemiah Series #9

The Need For A Halfway Faith

Text: Nehemiah 4:7-23

Introduction

Nehemiah Chapter Eight: Halfway! (Nehemiah 4:7–23)

In World War II, as Germany prepared to invade Poland, the Poles readied themselves for battle. They were experienced warriors with a long history of repelling enemy attacks from barbarian neighbors. The Polish army was renowned for its skilled horsemanship—the Cavalry was well-trained and their horses were among Europe’s finest steeds. When it was learned that German forces were advancing, twelve brigades of their finest were prepared. With swords flashing in the sunlight, the officers sounded the charge and their horses surged forward with powerful strides. Remember the time frame—World War II.

In his biography of Winston Churchill, Manchester wrote that the Cavalry galloped into oncoming, newly-designed German panzers. The outcome was predictable—total annihilation! Horsemen with swords were no match for armored tanks.

When we as believers try to take on the forces of darkness with weapons less than that of the divine, we resemble that of the horses running toward the armored tanks.

What we will be encouraged to do when facing the dark forces of the devil is to first turn to him, never doubt his awesome attributes and be unified together in the fight. God always brings the victory!!!

1) The Enemy Takes Notice

There were many who were angry to hear the walls have been restored up to half their height and the gaps were closing up.

Those who were angry made a plan to create much confusion.

Is it any different for our spiritual lives today?

Our enemy and all his forces takes notice to all the weakness we have and he will set his crosshairs on them.

The halfway point in anything is the second toughest point to arrive at.

Whether you are running the mile or in a difficult semester or involved in a household renovation project where the mess looks bigger than the goal—halfway is a difficult hurdle in the course of life. The newness has worn off and the reality of the challenge has set in. Stephen Davey, Nehemiah, ed. Lalanne Barber, Wisdom Commentary Series (Apex, NC: Charity House Publishers, 2012), 96.

To be honest, the devil has done a good job at bringing confusion into the minds of God’s people throughout history.

From the children of Israel, the first century church, the period of the reformation and even present day.

What does confusion look like today?

trading material for spiritual.

Emphasizing on my comfort than on my conforming to Christ.

Parents pushing their kids to be what they want them to be instead of encouraging them to be what God wants them to be.

Traditions are worshiped more than Jesus.

Being a hearer of the Word and not a doer in the work.

2) The People’s Faith

God’s people responded in a unified approach to God; they all cried out to Him for wisdom and protection.

Their first step to responding to the threat tells us clearly who their confidence rested in; GOD ALONE!

God’s people responded with self application.

Even though they trusted God, they understood that faith in Him did not free them from putting forth positive effort.

Example: I think back to the angel waking Peter up when he was asleep in prison.

Turn to: Ephesians 6:10-13 “10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”

Faith is our shield — Ephesians 6:16 “16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” (SHOW PICTURE) (QUORA WEBSITE)

Paul no doubt had the Roman shield in mind (made of wood, wrapped in leather, soaked in water). It protected the soldier and his armor. (SHOW PIC / YOUTUBE; MOVIE PRISONERS FOR CHRIST)

The Romans had invented this shield to be used collectively. The edges of the shields were beveled and notched so that they could be locked into place with the soldier next to them. You could actually have a row of men that made a wall of metal advancing against the enemy. Stephen Davey, Nehemiah, ed. Lalanne Barber, Wisdom Commentary Series (Apex, NC: Charity House Publishers, 2012), 94–95.

In the center of each shield was a round piece of brass. Before going into battle, soldiers polished that brass so it shone with the brilliance of a mirror. As they walked into battle, they could reflect the light of the sun into the eyes of their enemies. Stephen Davey, Nehemiah, ed. Lalanne Barber, Wisdom Commentary Series (Apex, NC: Charity House Publishers, 2012), 95.

“They set a watch”

The N.T. instructs us to be watchful and sober minded due to our enemy.

Jesus instructed Peter, James and John to watch and pray.

Peter gives similar instructions — 1 Peter 5:8 “8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:”

3) The People’s Discouragement

Remember, we are talking about intense labor. There is no doubt that by this time the people were worn out. This made them vulnerable!!!

Not only was their fatigue an issue, but the focus had shifted.

They began to focus more on what they had not yet accomplished instead of what they had already achieved.

There were piles of huge stones, overgrown vines, rubbish, and mounds of dirt. That was all they could see. Stephen Davey, Nehemiah, ed. Lalanne Barber, Wisdom Commentary Series (Apex, NC: Charity House Publishers, 2012), 97.

This is what they were saying, “Nehemiah, listen, we gave it out best and we tried. We made it half way, but the task ahead of us is just too much for us. It is simply a hopeless cause.”

They also had “friends” who did a great job discouraging them.

“ten times”

The sad thing is this, they were believing them!

Have you ever gotten to the halfway hurdle?

Like raising children, accomplishing a demanding task at work, finishing a project, building a marriage, serving in a volunteer ministry position—when you can no longer see over the pile of rubbish. You ignore what has been accomplished and focus, instead, on what has not yet happened. Stephen Davey, Nehemiah, ed. Lalanne Barber, Wisdom Commentary Series (Apex, NC: Charity House Publishers, 2012), 97.

If you allow discouragement to run it’s full course, you will find yourself giving up and quitting.

4) The People’s Courage

(v13) Every family was needed!

The call to prepare for war went out to everyone.

God has commanded us all to take up His armor and make ourselves ready for the enemies attacks.

If we evaluate well the truth God has given us about the enemy, He should never be able to surprise us.

(vv14-15) Nehemiah addressed everyone from the leaders to the families.

“I looked” = He was aware of every expression and emotion.

His address was a result from taking notice.

All their hearts needed was to be reminded to look back and look up.

Looking back = remember from where God had brought them.

Looking up = living with hope and confidence.

Looking out = despair and doubt.

Here is the amazing thing, not one person had to fight.

No blood shed.

The battle was won as soon as they trusted God and prepared for battle.

Notice, they returned to the wall and worked!!!

Unity and productivity in the things that matter most when you look up and trust the Lord.

(vv16-23) These verses are a great example of the people we all need to be today:

Those who collectively trust God.

Those who believes in the need of taking part in the work.

Those who value the tools of defense.

Those who rally together in faith of God coming to their aid.

Those who look beyond the heavy task and pursues God in whole hearted obedience.