Hello Conspiracy

Good morning. Over the past three weeks we have been looking at the story of Nehemiah. This morning we are going to be continuing with that and looking at how unresolved anger and contempt in our own lives can lead to conspiracy. And the importance of prayer and vigilance in challenging those who conspire and plot the ruin of others.

Good morning. Over the past three weeks we have been looking at the story of Nehemiah. This morning we are going to be continuing with that and looking at how unresolved anger and contempt in our own lives can lead to conspiracy. And the importance of prayer and vigilance in challenging those who conspire and plot the ruin of others.

Please open your Bibles to Nehemiah, chapter six. We come this morning to a section in which Nehemiah finds himself in trouble once again. He is the victim of plots and schemes. He finds himself in trial and difficulty. Maybe that's where you are today. You’re a believer, you trust in Jesus Christ, you try to do His will; and your life is filled with trials and difficulties, and they’re not of your own making. You are conscious of enemies who are plotting against you…whispering, perhaps, against you. Well, this passage is certainly for you. Let's meet Nehemiah. Before we meet him in chapter six, let's come before God in prayer. Let us pray.

Nehemiah finds himself in trouble once again. He is the victim of plots and schemes. He finds

himself in trial and difficulty. Maybe that's where you are today. You’re a believer, you trust in

the Lord Jesus Christ, you try to do His will; and your life is filled now with trials and

difficulties, and they’re not of your own making. You are conscious of enemies who are plotting

against you…whispering, perhaps, against you. Well, this passage is certainly for you. Let's meet

Nehemiah. Before we meet him in chapter six, let's come before God in prayer. Let us pray.

When word came to Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab and the rest of our enemies that I had rebuilt the wall and not a gap was left in it—though up to that time I had not set the doors in the gates— 2 Sanballat and Geshem sent me this message: “Come, let us meet together in one of the villages[a] on the plain of Ono.”

But they were scheming to harm me; 3 so I sent messengers to them with this reply: “I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and go down to you?” 4 Four times they sent me the same message, and each time I gave them the same answer.

5 Then, the fifth time, Sanballat sent his aide to me with the same message, and in his hand was an unsealed letter 6 in which was written:

“It is reported among the nations—and Geshem[b] says it is true—that you and the Jews are plotting to revolt, and therefore you are building the wall. Moreover, according to these reports you are about to become their king 7 and have even appointed prophets to make this proclamation about you in Jerusalem: ‘There is a king in Judah!’ Now this report will get back to the king; so come, let us meet together.”

8 I sent him this reply: “Nothing like what you are saying is happening; you are just making it up out of your head.”

Nehemiah 6:1–14 NIV

When word came to Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab and the rest of our enemies that I had rebuilt the wall and not a gap was left in it—though up to that time I had not set the doors in the gates—Sanballat and Geshem sent me this message: “Come, let us meet together in one of the villages on the plain of Ono.” But they were scheming to harm me; so I sent messengers to them with this reply: “I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and go down to you?” Four times they sent me the same message, and each time I gave them the same answer. Then, the fifth time, Sanballat sent his aide to me with the same message, and in his hand was an unsealed letter in which was written: “It is reported among the nations—and Geshem says it is true—that you and the Jews are plotting to revolt, and therefore you are building the wall. Moreover, according to these reports you are about to become their king and have even appointed prophets to make this proclamation about you in Jerusalem: ‘There is a king in Judah!’ Now this report will get back to the king; so come, let us meet together.” I sent him this reply: “Nothing like what you are saying is happening; you are just making it up out of your head.” They were all trying to frighten us, thinking, “Their hands will get too weak for the work, and it will not be completed.” But I prayed, “Now strengthen my hands.” One day I went to the house of Shemaiah son of Delaiah, the son of Mehetabel, who was shut in at his home. He said, “Let us meet in the house of God, inside the temple, and let us close the temple doors, because men are coming to kill you—by night they are coming to kill you.” But I said, “Should a man like me run away? Or should someone like me go into the temple to save his life? I will not go!” I realized that God had not sent him, but that he had prophesied against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. He had been hired to intimidate me so that I would commit a sin by doing this, and then they would give me a bad name to discredit me. Remember Tobiah and Sanballat, my God, because of what they have done; remember also the prophet Noadiah and how she and the rest of the prophets have been trying to intimidate me.

9 They were all trying to frighten us, thinking, “Their hands will get too weak for the work, and it will not be completed.”

But I prayed, “Now strengthen my hands.”

10 One day I went to the house of Shemaiah son of Delaiah, the son of Mehetabel, who was shut in at his home. He said, “Let us meet in the house of God, inside the temple, and let us close the temple doors, because men are coming to kill you—by night they are coming to kill you.”

11 But I said, “Should a man like me run away? Or should someone like me go into the temple to save his life? I will not go!” 12 I realized that God had not sent him, but that he had prophesied against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. 13 He had been hired to intimidate me so that I would commit a sin by doing this, and then they would give me a bad name to discredit me.

14 Remember Tobiah and Sanballat, my God, because of what they have done; remember also the prophet Noadiah and how she and the rest of the prophets have been trying to intimidate me.

What does conspiracy mean?

Conspiracy

1. a secret plan by a group to do something unlawful or harmful.

2. the action of plotting or conspiring.

We live in a world that is full of conspiracy. From news, politics, religion and everything in between. From a quick google search there are more than 100 notably famous conspiracy theories. People are always trying to plot and scheme and get their way, sometimes without apology and sometimes covering it up behind good intentions.

We live in a world that is full of conspiracy. From news, politics, religion and everything in between. From a quick google search there are more than 100 notably famous conspiracy theories.

One of the most well known conspiracies among Americans and political enthusiasts is the assassination of John F. Kennedy. It is estimated that over 1,000 books have been written about the Kennedy assassination, at least 90 percent of which are works supporting the view that there was a conspiracy. As a result of this, the Kennedy assassination has been described as “the mother of all conspiracies.” The countless individuals and organizations that have been accused of involvement in the Kennedy assassination include the CIA, the Mafia, sitting Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson, Cuban Prime Minister Fidel Castro, the KGB, or even some combination thereof. It is also frequently asserted that the United States federal government intentionally covered up crucial information in the aftermath of the assassination to prevent the conspiracy from being discovered.

Nehemiah here is being conspired against. He is paranoid, and he has already dealt with one series of trials and difficulties, another now comes immediately on its wake.

Sanballat and Tobiah and Geshem–we've met them before in chapter 2. Sanballat is a Babylonian name. He's from Beth-Horon, a place maybe 16-17 miles northwest of Jerusalem. His daughter will marry Eliashib the son of the high priest, and he will have an introduction then into high society and high priestly society within Jerusalem. Historical records tell us that he was the governor of Samaria and that his two sons had Jewish names. He wasn't Jewish, but that his wife was probably Jewish. He's an ambitious politician. He's the governor of Samaria to the north of Jerusalem. Like Nehemiah, he is under the authority of the Persians, but he wants to make a name for himself. He probably sees Nehemiah, and especially the building of the walls in Jerusalem, as a threat to his political ambitions.

Sanballat and Tobiah and Geshem–we've met them before in chapter 2. Sanballat is a Babylonian name. He's from Beth-Horon, a place maybe 16-17 miles northwest of Jerusalem. His daughter will marry Eliashib the son of the high priest, and he will have an introduction then into high society and high priestly society within Jerusalem. Historical records tell us that he was the governor of Samaria and that his two sons had Jewish names. He wasn't Jewish, but that his wife was probably Jewish. He's an ambitious politician. He's the governor of Samaria to the north of Jerusalem. Like Nehemiah, he is under the authority of the Persians, but he wants to make a name for himself. He probably sees Nehemiah, and especially the building of the walls in Jerusalem, as a threat to his political ambitions.

Tobiah is a Jewish name. His son will also marry a high society daughter within Jerusalem. And Geshem — Geshem is an Arab. He's the governor of Edom and Moab, to the south and to the east of Jerusalem. He also has power of those regions on the way to Egypt. So we've got three would-be politically ambitious rulers to the north and to the east, and to the south and to the southwest — surrounding, more or less, Jerusalem. They have nothing in common except that they don't like what's going on in Jerusalem. They do not like Nehemiah or what they see as Nehemiah's own political ambitions, and they've come together as a trinity of political power for the purposes of bringing down Nehemiah.

Now, three things are going to happen in this section that we're looking at today, three strategies of conspiracy in order to bring Nehemiah down. We’re going to watch Nehemiah. We’re going to see him as a leader, as a great leader, as a man of maturity and courage and discernment; a man who, in really difficult and tense situations, can keep his nerve, and can rise up and show nobility and strength, and a sense of purpose and vision. Things that we all should aspire to.

strategies that they deploy in order to bring Nehemiah down. We’re going to watch Nehemiah.

We’re going to see him as a leader, as a great leader, as a man of maturity and courage and

discernment; a man who, in really difficult and tense situations, can keep his nerve, and can rise

up and show nobility and strength, and a sense of purpose and vision. Things that we all should aspire to.

aspire to.

I. Conspiracy to Vanity

I. The attempt to appeal to vanity.

The first strategy is an invitation to come to “talk” in a place called Ono. Sanballat and Geshem, they invite Nehemiah a political mini-summit.

The first strategy is an invitation to come to “talk” in a place called Ono. Sanballat and Geshem,

they invite Nehemiah a political mini-summit.

they invite Nehemiah a political mini-summit.

It's a deliberate attempt to try and appeal to Nehemiah's vanity, Nehemiah's sense of pride is being poised against him. These high and mighty political leaders are inviting him to a meeting.

being poised against him. These high and mighty political leaders are inviting him to a meeting.

He is probaby asking: Does this mean I am one of them? But Nehemiah says, “They intended to do me harm.” Nehemiah is wise here, and realizes that not every opportunity is a good one. Maybe you can relate to this? Have you ever been given an opportunity at something that seems like it will get you ahead, only to realize it was only for your ruin? I know I can. A few years ago when I was working as an insurance broker I had this opportunity. I had been progressing in my job, and part of me wanted to keep going with it, but my ministry here was getting in the way of it. I had to make a decision, is it this or that? It would have been better pay, but I was miserable. It was the promise of vanity, but it was just a conspiracy for my downfall. I suppose we could see that as paranoia on Nehemiah's part. You could perhaps argue, ‘Well, Nehemiah has good grounds for thinking what he's thinking and for saying what he's saying,’

It's a deliberate attempt to try and appeal to Nehemiah's vanity, Nehemiah's sense of pride that he

intended to do me harm.” Nehemiah is wise here, and realizes that not every opportunity is a

would be present among leaders such as, Sanballat and Tobiah and Geshem. He would be

good one. Maybe you can relate to this? Have you ever been given an opportunity at something

that seems like it will get you ahead, only to realize it was only for your ruin? I know I can. A

one of the politically ambitious. But Nehemiah says, “They intended to do me harm.”

few years ago when I was working as an insurance broker I had this opportunity. I had been

progressing in my job, and part of me wanted to keep going with it, but my ministry here was

I suppose we could see that as paranoia on Nehemiah's part. You could perhaps argue, ‘Well,

getting in the way of it. I had to make a decision, is it this or that? It would have been better pay,

Nehemiah has good grounds for thinking what he's thinking and for saying what he's saying,’

but I was miserable. It was the promise of vanity, but it was just a conspiracy for my downfall.

I suppose we could see that as paranoia on Nehemiah's part. You could perhaps argue, ‘Well,

Nehemiah has good grounds for thinking what he's thinking and for saying what he's saying,’

But what would there be to lose, to go to Ono and engage in talks? Better talk than war. But

But what would there be to lose, to go to Ono and engage in talks? Better talk than war. But Nehemiah had sensed a trap. Behind this invitation there was probably an attempt to kidnap him.

Nehemiah had sensed a trap. Behind this invitation there was probably an attempt to kidnap him.

Nehemiah had sensed a trap. Behind this invitation there was probably an attempt to kidnap him.

There may even be an attempt, according to some commentators, to kill him. Nehemiah senses that the letter has already been written:

There may even be an attempt, according to some commentators, to kill him. Nehemiah senses

that the letter has already been written:

that the letter has already been written:

“We are sorry to inform you, great peoples of Jerusalem, that your governor Nehemiah, prince among the Jews, hit a rock in his chariot on his way to Ono. His body was thrown into the air, and he was greatly hurt. And despite all of our best efforts to save him, he tragically died. We send our deepest sorrow and wish you well.”

among the Jews, on his way to Ono, his chariot hit a rock and his body was thrown into the air,

and he was greatly hurt. And despite all of our best efforts to save him, he tragically died. We

“We are sorry to inform you, great peoples of Jerusalem, that your governor Nehemiah, prince

send to you our deepest sorrow and wish you well.”

among the Jews, on his way to Ono, his chariot hit a rock and his body was thrown into the air,

And Nehemiah thinks that letter has already been written. He shows political savvy. He shows discernment. He's a man of principle. He's a man who's not going to be tempted by a moment's political glory in the limelight of a mini-summit with the leaders of that territory.

and he was greatly hurt. And despite all of our best efforts to save him, he tragically died. We

discernment. He's a man of principle. He's a man who's not going to be tempted by a moment's

send to you our deepest sorrow and wish you well.”

political glory in the limelight of a mini-summit with the leaders of that territory.

Four times they ask him. Four times he says to them, “How can I leave this great work?” Now, folks, he was building a wall. It was at most one and a half miles long. It was not anything to write home about. Archeologists will tell us it was built in just over fifty days, and the quality of workmanship was not great. It was not a “great work” in the eyes of Babylon, who could boast of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon as one of the great wonders of the world; and even the winter residence of the prince of Babylon, or the prince of the Persians, was something to write home about. You see, in Nehemiah's eyes the building of this wall, putting one stone upon another, was something that was being done for God. God was in this work, and he wasn't about to leave it.

folks, he was building a wall. It was at most one and a half miles long. It was not anything to

And Nehemiah thinks that letter has already been written. He shows political savvy. He shows

write home about. Archeologists will tell us it was built in just over fifty days, and the quality of

discernment. He's a man of principle. He's a man who's not going to be tempted by a moment's

workmanship was not great. It was not a “great work” in the eyes of Babylon, who could boast of

the Hanging Gardens of Babylon as one of the great wonders of the world; and even the winter

political glory in the limelight of a mini-summit with the leaders of that territory.

residence of the prince of Babylon, or the prince of the Persians, was something to write home

about. You see, in Nehemiah's eyes the building of this wall, putting one stone upon another, was

Four times they ask him. Four times he says to them, “How can I leave this great work?” Now,

something that was being done for God. God was in this work, and he wasn't about to leave it.

folks, he was building a wall. It was at most one and a half miles long. It was not anything to

How could he possibly leave this great work and go and meet with these people?

You see, what we have here are two worldviews in collision, and Nehemiah knows that.

write home about. Archeologists will tell us it was built in just over fifty days, and the quality of

Nehemiah is a man of God, and these three men, Sanballat and Tobiah and Geshem, are not.

workmanship was not great. It was not a “great work” in the eyes of Babylon, who could boast of

II. Conspiracy of Intimidation

the Hanging Gardens of Babylon as one of the great wonders of the world; and even the winter

Well, there's a second attempt, and it's an attempt at intimidation. Nehemiah was right. He was right to distrust these men because on the fifth invitation it comes accompanied by a letter…a letter that says in no uncertain terms that the Jews, led by Nehemiah, are plotting…they are plotting a coup; they are plotting an overthrow of Persian rule in Jerusalem, that's the real reason for building this wall. There's talk, you see, among the prophets of Jerusalem that a king is coming and perhaps that he has already come. And that king is Nehemiah. You are the king!

right to distrust these men because on the fifth invitation it comes accompanied by a letter…a

residence of the prince of Babylon, or the prince of the Persians, was something to write home

letter that says in no uncertain terms that the Jews, led by Nehemiah, are plotting…they are

about. You see, in Nehemiah's eyes the building of this wall, putting one stone upon another, was

plotting a coup; they are plotting an overthrow of Persian rule in Jerusalem, that's the real reason

something that was being done for God. God was in this work, and he wasn't about to leave it.

for building this wall. There's talk, you see, among the prophets of Jerusalem that a king is

coming and perhaps that he has already come. And that king is Nehemiah. You are the king!

They are setting you up as a king in defiance of Artaxerxes the king of Persia, and you know, he will get to hear about it! You understand what that means...they are blackmailing him to come meet with them, or they will tell the King. They’re bullies and liars.

How could he possibly leave this great work and go and meet with these people?

will get to hear about it! You understand what that means...they are blackmailing him to come

meet with them, or they will tell the King. They’re bullies and liars.

You see, what we have here are two worldviews in collision, and Nehemiah knows that.

It’s a fearful thing these days to be a leader of any description, because people will tell lies. And once people hear those lies, some of them will believe it no matter what you say. No matter how you protest your innocence, somebody is going to believe those lies. Some, no doubt, believe these lies. Seeds of doubt were being sown among the people in Jerusalem: what is Nehemiah's ambition here?

once people hear those lies, some of them will believe it no matter what you say. No matter how

Nehemiah is a man of God, and these three men, Sanballat and Tobiah and Geshem, are not.

you protest your innocence, somebody is going to believe those lies. Some, no doubt, believe

these lies. Seeds of doubt were being sown among the people in Jerusalem: what is Nehemiah's

I couldn't help but think of something as Emily and I have been preparing for our Halloween

ambition here?

He prays to God. Did you note that? In verse 9: “But now, O God, strengthen my hands.”

Kids Outreach this week. Halloween is October 31, the same day that we commemorate Luther's

Strengthen my hands; come to my aid. The beginning of a whispering campaign. I have been reminded of this more when I watched the Political Parties Debate a few weeks ago. I watched question after question of each candidate belittling each another. Very few questions were answered, and it was just a time to spread more lies about each other. But we aren’t here to talk about politics, but what politicians deal with, what Nehemiah dealt with, and maybe what you’re dealing with this morning is a horrible thing. That's a terrible position to be in. That people are spreading lies about you, and someone is going to believe it and there’s nothing you can do to change it. It's an awful position to be in. It happens in the church — it does, you know it does.

great nailing of the 95 Theses to the castle church door at Wittenberg in 1517. Four years later at

reminded of this more when I watched the Political Parties Debate a few weeks ago. I watched

the Diet of Worms, he would say these great words:

question after question of each candidate belittling each another. Very few questions were

answered, and it was just a time to spread more lies about each other. But we aren’t here to talk

about politics, but what politicians deal with, what Nehemiah dealt with, and maybe what you’re

“Unless I am convinced by Holy Scripture and by good reason, my conscience is bound. It isn't safe or expedient for me to deny my conscience. Here I stand; I can do no other, so help me God.”

dealing with this morning is a horrible thing. That's a terrible position to be in. That people are

spreading lies about you, and someone is going to believe it and there’s nothing you can do to

Well, there's something of that spirit in Nehemiah. He can't leave this work, because this is God's work.

change it. It's an awful position to be in. It happens in the church — it does, you know it does.

And sometimes all you can do is say, “Lord, You know my heart. Strengthen my hands.”

It is natural for us to want to stick up for ourselves, to make our case. The truth is though, that some people already will have their minds made up. We have to learn to turn to God right away, and rely upon His strength. This is what Nehemiah did. He doesn't go to the people and make an announcement and tell them these are lies. Because you see Nehemiah most likely wasn't the only one to see or read this letter. Other Jewish leaders in Jerusalem would have read and saw it. These men attacking Nehemiah were not strangers to Jerusalem, and they were the political elite. They knew how to spread lies and creating murmouring.

II. The attempt of innuendo.

some people already will have their minds made up. We have to learn to turn to God right away,

and rely upon His strength. This is what Nehemiah did. He doesn't go to the people and make an

announcement and tell them these are lies. Because you see Nehemiah most likely wasn't the

Well, there's a second attempt, and it's an attempt at innuendo. Nehemiah was right. He was right

only one to see or read this letter. Other Jewish leaders in Jerusalem would have read and saw it.

to distrust these men because on the fifth invitation it comes accompanied by a letter…a letter

Instead or making a case, he turns to God. What would your life, our city, our country and our world look like if we learned to turn to God to fight our battles instead of doing it ourself?

that says in no uncertain terms that the Jews, led by Nehemiah, are plotting…they are plotting a

world look like if we learned to turn to God to fight our battles instead of doing it ourself?

coup; they are plotting an overthrow of Persian rule in Jerusalem, that's the real reason for

III. Conspiracy From Within

Well, there's a third attempt, and it comes from within. He's invited to the house of Shemaiah.

building this wall. There's talk, you see, among the prophets of Jerusalem that a king is coming

Shemaiah apparently is a prophet of some kind. For some reason he's confined to his house, and Nehemiah goes to visit him. And this man Shemaiah says to him, ‘We have to go to the temple.

and perhaps that he has already come. And that king is Nehemiah. You are the king! They are

Nehemiah goes to visit him. And this man Shemaiah says to him, ‘We have to go to the temple.

setting you up as a king in defiance of Artaxerxes the king of Persia, and you know, he will get to

We've got to run there right now. We've got to go to the innermost part of the temple and close the doors because men are coming to kill you, and they’re coming tonight.’

the doors because men are coming to kill you, and they’re coming tonight.’

hear about it! (You understand what that means: we will tell him about it.) They’re bullies, and

Imagine! Can you imagine being Nehemiah for a minute? What do you do? This is a man of God; this is a prophet; this is a spokesman of God, and he's saying we've got to run to the temple because murderers are coming to get you, and they’re coming tonight. He was most likely terrified, and part of him was probably like OK, lets go now!

more than that, they are guilty of outright lies.

God; this is a prophet; this is a spokesman of God, and he's saying we've got to run to the temple

because murderers are coming to get you, and they’re coming tonight. He was most likely

It’s a fearful thing these days to be a leader of any description, because people will tell lies. And

terrified, and part of him was probably like OK, lets go now!

Again Nehemiah was wise. There are several things about this that Nehemiah sensed were off…Nehemiah smelt a rat, there was something fishy about what this man was saying. First of all, how come he's confined to his house, yet he can run to the temple with Nehemiah? Secondly, there's no such thing as sanctuary within the temple. Never was. And thirdly, he wasn't allowed in that part of the temple. Only a priest could go into that part of the temple. How could he go in there and not die? There were three things wrong. Three strikes. He will not do it. He cannot do it.

once people hear those lies, some of them will believe it no matter what you say. No matter how

Nehemiah smelt a rat, there was something fishy about what he was saying. First of all, how

you protest your innocence, somebody is going to believe those lies. Some, no doubt, believe

come he's confined to his house, yet he can run to the temple with Nehemiah? Secondly, there's

these lies. Seeds of doubt were being sown among the people in Jerusalem: what is Nehemiah's

no such thing as sanctuary within the temple. Never was. And thirdly, he wasn't allowed in that

part of the temple. Only a priest could go into that part of the temple. How could he go in there

ambition here?

and not die? There were three things wrong. Three strikes. He will not do it. He cannot do it. It

would be in violation of the Law. It would be in violation of what God has expressly written in

He prays to God. Did you note that? In verse 9: “But now, O God, strengthen my hands.”

His word, and in any case, what do you think the people in Jerusalem would say if they saw Nehemiah running through the streets, heading into the temple and slamming the doors behind him? What kind of leader is he? He's not a man that the people would turn to.

Nehemiah running through the streets, heading into the temple and slamming the doors behind

Strengthen my hands; come to my aid. The beginning of a whispering campaign. I have been

him? What kind of leader is he? He's not a man that the people would turn to.

reminded of this more when I watched the Political Parties Debate a few weeks ago. I watched

Nehemiah is a man of great courage as a leader. This is a story, you understand…this is a story about a leader who is under attack. That's why you need to pray for your leaders. You need to pray for those in leadership in the church every day, because they are under attack. Satan would just love to see a leader fall and collapse. All it takes is a quick google search to see the many Pastors, CEO’s, Politicans etc that have fallen. Countless news articles. Why is it so important?

question after question of each candidate belittling each another. Very few questions were

about a leader who is under attack. That's why you need to pray for your leaders. You need to

answered, and it was just a time to spread more lies about each other. But we aren’t here to talk

pray for those in leadership in the church every day, because they are under attack. Satan would

just love to see a leader fall and collapse. All it takes is a quick google search to see the many

about politics, but what politicians deal with, what Nehemiah dealt with, and maybe what you’re

Pastors or religious leaders that have fallen. Countless news articles. Why is it so important?

dealing with this morning is a horrible thing. That's a terrible position to be in. That people are

There aren’t that many articles when “normal people” make horrible mistakes. Because it makes a better news story. It seems worse. The headlines read this great leader has fallen. We need to pray for leaders, for their discernment, for their wisdom, their courage.

spreading lies about you, and someone is going to believe it and there’s nothing you can do to

a better news story. It seems worse. The headlines read this great leader has fallen. We need to

pray for leaders, for their discernment, for their wisdom, their courage. When you stand against

change it. It's an awful position to be in. It happens in the church — it does, you know it does.

the tide, when you stand against the culture, you’ll be called a bigot, unloving and ungracious.

And sometimes all you can do is say, “Lord, You know my heart. Strengthen my hands.”

But there's one more thing. The only mistake own Nehemiah in my opinion. Right at the end, in verse 14:

“Remember Tobiah and Sanballat, O my God, according to these things that they did, and also the prophetess Noadiah and the rest of the prophets…” [there was more than just one in Jerusalem] “…who wanted to make me afraid.”

Well, there's a third attempt, and it comes from within. He's invited to the house of Shemaiah.

Shemaiah apparently is a prophet of some kind. For some reason he's confined to his house, and

Nehemiah goes to visit him. And this man Shemaiah says to him, ‘We have to go to the temple.

We've got to run there right now. We've got to go to the innermost part of the temple and close

the doors because men are coming to kill you, and they’re coming tonight.’

Imagine! Can you imagine being Nehemiah for a minute? What do you do? This is a man of

God; this is a prophet; this is a spokesman of God, and he's saying we've got to run to the temple

because murderers are coming to get you, and they’re coming tonight.

There were several things about that…Nehemiah smelt a rat. There are some things...I can

change the metaphor: there was something fishy about what he was saying. First of all, how

come he's confined to his house and he can run to the temple with Nehemiah? Secondly, there's

no such thing as sanctuary within the temple. Never was. And thirdly, he wasn't allowed in that

part of the temple. Only a priest could go into that part of the temple. How could he go in there

and not die? There were three things wrong. Three strikes. He will not do it. He cannot do it. It

would be in violation of the Law. It would be in violation of what God has expressly written in

His word, and in any case, what do you think the people in Jerusalem would say if they saw

Nehemiah running through the streets, heading into the temple and slamming the doors behind

him? What kind of leader is he?

Nehemiah is a man of great courage as a leader. This is a story, you understand…this is a story

about a leader who is under attack. That's why you need to pray for your leaders. You need to

pray for those in leadership in the church every day, because they are under attack. Satan would

just love to see a leader fall and collapse. All it takes is a quick google search to see the many

Pastors or

There aren’t that many articles when “normal people” make horrible mistakes. Because it makes

a better news story. It seems worse. The headlines read this great leader has fallen. We need to

pray for leaders, for their discernment, for their wisdom, their courage. When you stand against

the tide, when you stand against the culture, you’ll be called a bigot, and unloving and

ungracious.

But there's one more thing. Right at the end, in verse 14:

“Remember Tobiah and Sanballat, O my God, according to these things that they did, and also the prophetess Noadiah and the rest of the prophets…”

“…who wanted to make me afraid.”

What is that? It sounds, doesn't it, as if it's got to him a little. Doesn't it? It's got to him a little. It's

got under his skin a little. Sounds just a little bit irritable, don't you think? “Remember these

enemies.” What he's saying in effect is ‘Do to them as they deserve. Don't show them mercy

here. Don't be nice to them. Don't be kind to them. Give them what they deserve.’

This is not the first time this ungracious attitude is displayed from a man of God in the Bible. In

Jeremiah chapter 18 we see much of the same attitude. Jeremiah is calling upon God not to

forgive his enemies’ sins. I'm not sure what to make of it, to be honest. I suspect that Nehemiah

is showing his true colours. He's a sinner like the rest of us. I'm so glad that passages like this are

found in the Bible. You know, even if we say this morning — and some of us just might say -

‘Nehemiah, you weren't all there in that prayer. Maybe there should have been just an

element of grace in your prayer.’ Perhaps that's where we are tonight. You know, maybe some of

you have no problems with the prayer at all; that's fine. But some of you may just have a little bit

of a problem with that prayer, and you say, ‘Well, why didn't he ask for the Lord to save them?

You know, to bring them to Jesus?’

I'm so glad that prayer is there, because there are times, dear friends, when I've thought exactly

like that. You’re the victim of lies, you’re the victim of innuendo, you’re the victim of personal

attacks, and every instinct within your body wants to say, “Lord, deal with these people, and

don't show them mercy!” That may be wrong. It may well be wrong. And from a New Testament

perspective, it certainly is wrong. I'm still glad it's there, because it says to me I'm not alone, and

there are great, great men like Nehemiah and like Jeremiah who fell in this way, too. And God

still owned them, and God still blessed them, and God still strengthened them.

So pray for your leaders, will you? Before you go to bed tonight, pray for our leaders in this

church tonight before you go to bed. Pray for our government. Pray for each other. We all are

called to be leaders in some regard, and it can be exhausting. And we all can get attacked, and we

all need a little help from time to time.

Let's pray together.

[there was more than just one in Jerusalem]

“…who wanted to make me afraid.”

What is that? It sounds, doesn't it, as if it's got to him a little. Doesn't it? It's got under his skin a little. Sounds just a little irritaded, don't you think? “Remember these enemies.” What he's saying in effect is ‘Do to them as they deserve. Don't show them mercy here. Don't be nice to them. Don't be kind to them. Give them what they deserve.’

little. Sounds just a little bit irritable, don't you think? “Remember these enemies.” What he's

saying in effect is ‘Do to them as they deserve. Don't show them mercy here. Don't be nice to

them. Don't be kind to them. Give them what they deserve.’

This is not the first time this ungracious attitude is displayed from a man of God in the Bible. That is the whole story of the prophet Jonah. See this story of Nehemiah is as much about others, and leading others as it is about him. God desires to have us turn to him in times of need, and we need to watchful for conspiracy but we also need to watch ourselves. This attitude is an attitude that if left unchecked could put Nehemiah on the opposite side of the field when some other leader emerges.

That is the whole story of the prophet Jonah. See this story of Nehemiah is as much about others,

and leader others as it is about him. God desires to have us turn to him in times of need, and we

need to watchful for conspiracy but we also need to watch ourselves. This attitude is an attitude

that if left unchecked could put Nehemiah on the opposite side of the field when some other

leader emerges. In Jeremiah chapter 18 we see much of the same attitude. Jeremiah is calling

upon God not to forgive his enemies’ sins. I'm not sure what to make of it, to be honest. I suspect

In Jeremiah chapter 18 we see much of the same attitude. Jeremiah is calling upon God not to forgive his enemies’ sins. I'm not sure what to make of it, to be honest. I suspect that Nehemiah is showing his true colours. He's a sinner like the rest of us. I'm so glad that passages like this are found in the Bible. You know, even if we say this morning — and some of us just might say - ‘Nehemiah, you weren't all there in that prayer. Maybe there should have been just an element of grace in your prayer.’ Perhaps that's where we are tonight. You know, maybe some of you have no problems with the prayer at all; that's fine. But some of you may just have a little bit of a problem with that prayer, and you say, ‘Well, why didn't he ask for the Lord to save them? You know, to bring them to Jesus?’

that Nehemiah is showing his true colours. He's a sinner like the rest of us. I'm so glad that

passages like this are found in the Bible. You know, even if we say this morning — and some of

us just might say - ‘Nehemiah, you weren't all there in that prayer. Maybe there should have been

just an element of grace in your prayer.’ Perhaps that's where we are tonight. You know, maybe

some of you have no problems with the prayer at all; that's fine. But some of you may just have a

little bit of a problem with that prayer, and you say, ‘Well, why didn't he ask for the Lord to save

them? You know, to bring them to Jesus?’

I'm so glad that prayer is there, because there are times, dear friends, when I've thought exactly like that. You’re the victim of lies, you’re the victim of intimidation, you’re the victim of personal attacks, and every instinct within your body wants to say, “Lord, deal with these people, and don't show them mercy!” That may be wrong. It may well be wrong. And from a New Testament perspective, it certainly is wrong. I'm still glad it's there, because it says to me I'm not alone, and there are great, great men like Nehemiah and like Jeremiah who fell in this way, too. And God still owned them, and God still blessed them, and God still strengthened them.

like that. You’re the victim of lies, you’re the victim of innuendo, you’re the victim of personal

attacks, and every instinct within your body wants to say, “Lord, deal with these people, and

don't show them mercy!” That may be wrong. It may well be wrong. And from a New Testament

perspective, it certainly is wrong. I'm still glad it's there, because it says to me I'm not alone, and

there are great, great men like Nehemiah and like Jeremiah who fell in this way, too. And God

still owned them, and God still blessed them, and God still strengthened them.

So pray for your leaders, will you? Before you go to bed tonight, pray for our leaders in this church tonight before you go to bed. Pray for our government. Pray for each other. We all are called to be leaders in some regard, and it can be exhausting. And we all can get attacked, and we all need a little help from time to time.

church tonight before you go to bed. Pray for our government. Pray for each other. We all are

called to be leaders in some regard, and it can be exhausting. And we all can get attacked, and we

all need a little help from time to time.

In fact, that’s what we are going to do right now. We are going to gather in groups of 4 or 5 and pray for all the leaders in our lives for five minutes.

What would your life, our city, our country and our world look like if we learned to turn to God to fight our battles instead of doing it ourself?

Instead or making a case, he turns to God. What would your life, our city, our country and our world look like if we learned to turn to God to fight our battles instead of doing it ourself?

Let’s prayer each other, and the leaders in our lives. Specifically just for God’s will to be done. Not to change them so that they think and act just like us. Not that Adam’s will would be done, or your will, but God’s. That’s a hard thing to do because it requires us to consider that we may be wrong about some things. It requires us to not only pray for others, but also our own hearts.

As you are gathring into groups I will ask you these questions again.

What would your life, workplace, school, home, our city, our country and our world look like if we learned to turn to God to fight our battles instead of doing it ourself?