Opposition

Many of us probably grew up on the old proverb "Sticks and stones..."

The saying may have originated with Alexander Kinglake in 1830, and it's rather accepted that an AME publication called The Christian Reporter included the current rendition of the proverb in a March 1862 publication.

We know the meaning: while physical attack might cause severe pain, the verbal taunts of others can't cause lasting harm. Now, I'm not here to debate the psychology of the phrase or what it says about today's safe-space paradigms. And, the fact of the matter is some words do indeed leave a lasting mark on the inner self, especially if it comes from a person who should keep us safe and protected. But as believers, we must be grounded in something greater even in the face of verbal or physical threat.

Nehemiah and the Jews are well into their building project when they face just that: verbal ridicule and physical threat. Opposition to the work of God is inevitable. So, how should we as believers respond? Turn with me to Nehemiah 4 and let us see how the narrative plays out.

Opposition is Certain

External Opposition (verbal and physical)

The Jews were never the largest country, and the first taunt aims at this fact. Sanballat calls them feeble Jews. Second, he attacks the wisdom of undertaking this project by asking if they're the ones who will actually rebuild it. The question of whether or not they will sacrifice brings their trust in God's ability into question. Finally, he distorts the truth by asking if they will build with burned stones. Surely their condition was exaggerated by Sanballat. Often, mental warfare plays on sensitivities and half-truths. (Believers must learn to recognize lies and combat them with truth).

Sanballat lets his anger boil over in the presence of his brothers, questioning before his loyal audience the intent of the Jews. He clearly thought they were inferior to the task they were attempting. While it is assumed that Sanballat questions their building of the wall, The ESV leaves out wall allowing the possible understanding of whether or not the Jews are trying to reestablish their ethnic identity. This interpretation is actually strengthened by the comment on the sacrifice.

When verbal threats proved useless, Sanballat and his allies virtually surrounded the city (what may have looked like a siege). Sanballat led from the north, Tobiah from the east, and the Arabs closed in on the southeast while the Ashdodites came from the southwest. The people in Jerusalem responded with faith and trust in God, praying while setting a guard as a protection.

Jerusalem is surrounded on at least three sides, and the plot to hinder the work of the Jews runs in direct opposition to Artaxerxes' approval of Nehemiah's work. While there's no way of knowing how successful the opposition could be because the cause had the king's backing, it would have been intimidating none-the-less, especially given the fact that there had already been successful opposition to the work. Nevertheless, they were very angry, likely because their plots were not succeeding.

They surround Jerusalem. The seriousness of their threats remain uncertain. They could have attacked and utterly destroyed Jerusalem, claiming that the people were rebelling and drawing on the precedent in Ezra 4:19-22. Furthers, in addition to an apparent physical attack, it seems they also launched a "propaganda campaign" to spread the news of the threat and incite fear from the people.

I want to be careful here…how do we respond to a literal threat of physical violence? Do we turn the other cheek? Those who would be conscientious objectors who point to Jesus’ teachings, are they right, and does it contradict a passage like this, where Nehemiah literally responds with swords in hand?

Internal Opposition (doubt and fear)

Doubt and discouragement begin to set in for the workers, and there was legitimate fear of an attack in the middle of the night. Even the family and friends of those working on the wall pleaded with the workers to return home.

Friends and family pleaded with those laboring in Jerusalem to flee before an attack actually occured.

Oftentimes external stresses amplify internal struggles. Further, it seems that Jerusalem's enemies are spreading rumors about an impending attack in order to further weaken the people's resolve.

As the threat of physical attack heightens, the people lament in song at the difficulty of their situation. The propaganda war continues as the Jews' enemies threaten a deadly sneak attack, and hostility waits for them from seemingly every angle.

The enemy will sow seeds of doubt and fear at every turn whenever we are committed to following the Lord’s will.

Prayer is Essential

In response, Nehemiah prays. The content is similar to imprecations found in the Psalms and the prophet Jeremiah. His prayer was that God would judge sin, a request for God to act, though not for personal vengeance, and it shows a zeal for God's honor.

Nehemiah turns his attention to God, noting that His people are despised. This is a situation where God's fame is at stake. One question that continues to come up: how does this prayer of retribution fit in a NT context. Believers should remember that first, vengeance is God’s, and second, judgment belongs to Jesus. Nehemiah refrains from seeking his own vengeance and instead (prepares for battle if necessary and) trusts God.

When we pray, we can trust that God is at work. Here, God had so moved on the people that they had a mind (or heart) to work. That is, God had created in them the will to accomplish the task.

Further, I believe God gives Nehemiah the wisdom through prayer and trust in God to lead the people forward. Nehemiah stations people to stand guard with swords...spears, and...bows. It reveals prudent and shrewd action on Nehemiah's part. He then commands them with a common exhortation, do not be afraid. He can encourage them this way because the call is rooted in a remembrance of the Lord, the One who has performed mighty deeds on Israel's behalf in the past.

Nehemiah took action despite multiple forms of opposition. (This is true courage!)

Nehemiah proves to be a man of action, grouping the people by families in order to motivate them to fight. Calling the people together would have shown strength in numbers to the people and hopefully provide courage. His words to the people echo similar speeches and assurances given by godly leaders at various times in Israel's history. Nehemiah's servants, a small military band that supported him in his Persian duties. well half of them stand guard while the other half works, protecting against a possible surprise attack. (Nehemiah seems to trust God completely while planning for every contingency).

Fellowship is Necessary

For the plan to succeed, the people need each other.

As the threat looms, there is a scene that could have been taken straight out of Braveheart. Nehemiah shrewdly calls an assembly, arranging the workers by family, a traditional way to organize. When they gathered, they came armed and ready for battle, certainly a powerful show for any watching enemies. The scene seems like an army divided by company and platoon, Nehemiah the confident general rising to address them with a wartime speech. His speech is simple: Remember the Lord...fight for those beside you.

Perhaps the best picture of fellowship, however, is the fact that everyone plays their part…some labored, some stood guard, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the changed guards from time to time. So side-by-side, everyone fulfilling their duty, trowel in one hand and sword in the other, the people worked, God showed favor, their enemies were thwarted, and the work continued.

Be ready and willing to fight the good fight, remembering that our battle is not against flesh and blood.

Prayer must become part of our initial and continual response to any opposition we face in obeying God.

You cannot live the Christian life alone. The enemy's plan is to separate, isolate, and attack. There is strength in numbers as we spur one another on to love and good deeds.