Nehemiah 6:15-7:73 - "Wise Leadership & Those Involved"

Let me give you all a hopeful “glimpse” into the next few weeks...

Next two Sundays, today and the 15th we will stay in Nehemiah. “Wise Leadership & Those Involved” today. The 15th, , “Joy in knowing and applying God’s Word”

Then on the 22nd and 29th of December, we will take a pause and watch a video, The Bethlehem Star. Great video to “reset our hearts” during this celebration of Christ. Then back to Nehemiah on January 5th. I see us finishing Nehemiah by February 9th and beginning our new Study, “Balanced Encouragement” A Study thru 1st and 2nd Thessalonians on Sunday the 16th of February.

Of course, this is always a “fluid” schedule....

This Sunday we are going to finish thru chapter 7 in Nehemiah. We are going to look at what it takes to make the "Big Decisions" and roll the credits for those remnants who are safely behind the completed walls.

For this Sunday, please read and .

Think on this question as you take time to read thru those scriptures, "How do you approach decision making in your family life?"

Let’s begin by reading

Nehemiah 6:15–7:6 CSB

15 The wall was completed in fifty-two days, on the twenty-fifth day of the month Elul. 16 When all our enemies heard this, all the surrounding nations were intimidated and lost their confidence, for they realized that this task had been accomplished by our God. 17 During those days, the nobles of Judah sent many letters to Tobiah, and Tobiah’s letters came to them. 18 For many in Judah were bound by oath to him, since he was a son-in-law of Shecaniah son of Arah, and his son Jehohanan had married the daughter of Meshullam son of Berechiah. 19 These nobles kept mentioning Tobiah’s good deeds to me, and they reported my words to him. And Tobiah sent letters to intimidate me. 1 When the wall had been rebuilt and I had the doors installed, the gatekeepers, singers, and Levites were appointed. 2 Then I put my brother Hanani in charge of Jerusalem, along with Hananiah, commander of the fortress, because he was a faithful man who feared God more than most. 3 I said to them, “Do not open the gates of Jerusalem until the sun is hot, and let the doors be shut and securely fastened while the guards are on duty. Station the citizens of Jerusalem as guards, some at their posts and some at their homes.” 4 The city was large and spacious, but there were few people in it, and no houses had been built yet. 5 Then my God put it into my mind to assemble the nobles, the officials, and the people to be registered by genealogy. I found the genealogical record of those who came back first, and I found the following written in it: 6 These are the people of the province who went up among the captive exiles deported by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. Each of them returned to Jerusalem and Judah, to his own town.

Let’s begin to put this text in context...

The rebuilding of Jerusalem’s wall, the focus of , comes to a successful end.

The opposition presented by the enemies (, , ) and the internal problems of the Judean community () have been overcome.

Having a restored wall around Jerusalem is a significant part of restoring the Judeans from the judgment of exile to the experience of God’s blessing. Yet in this passage, it becomes clear that the repaired wall alone is insufficient to ensure the security of Jerusalem. Awareness of the need for guards to protect the city then leads to awareness of the need for a larger population in it generally.

At that point God gives Nehemiah the idea for his second project in the book, the repopulation of Jerusalem.

Like the wall-building project, Nehemiah’s new project has a tangible component, relocating individuals to the city. But since it focuses on people, it provides an appropriate transition to the concerns of the last part of the narrative, which are the spiritual condition of the Judeans and Jerusalem’s status as a holy city.

The transition is highlighted by the list in , which is virtually the same as the list in .

By repeating the list in full, the narrator of Ezra-Nehemiah forms bookends around , a little like opening and closing credits for a movie, and defining it as a discrete section of the narrative.

That larger unit tells of the major return journeys and reconstruction projects that signaled the restoration and in which these people were the major actors.

The ensuing narrative will give less attention to physical rebuilding and more to the character of the people who make up the Judean community.

I find it absolutely fascinating that at the end of 7:6 when the show is over, so to speak, and the walls are built, Nehemiah takes time to roll the credits. A Who’s Who...The list is long and most of the names are unpronounceable. But there are some gems tucked inside these credits.

We will not go thru those names today, however, if you haven't, please take time this week to read thru the list, the remnants of the exile who returned.

It’s a great list and a reminder that God recognizes everyone...

Let’s break down what we read...

Nehemiah 6:15 CSB

15 The wall was completed in fifty-two days, on the twenty-fifth day of the month Elul.

Nehemiah 6:15 NLT

15 So on October 2 the wall was finished—just fifty-two days after we had begun.

6:15 the wall was completed . . . in fifty-two days. Although this is a remarkably short time, the builders were not starting from scratch, and portions of the wall were probably relatively intact, so this does not represent a miracle. On the other hand, a similar project had earlier been forced to stop (, ), and the builders faced considerable opposition this time as well (; ). The fact that they are able to finish so quickly is evidence that God is working through them to remove the shame that the broken-down walls represented.

Nehemiah 6:16 CSB

16 When all our enemies heard this, all the surrounding nations were intimidated and lost their confidence, for they realized that this task had been accomplished by our God.

6:16 When all our enemies heard . . . accomplished by our God. The pattern so far in Nehemiah has been for the enemies to hear about plans or progress made by the Judeans and respond aggressively, requiring a counter-response from Nehemiah (; ; ).

Nehemiah 2:19 CSB

19 When Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab heard about this, they mocked and despised us, and said, “What is this you’re doing? Are you rebelling against the king?”

Nehemiah 2:19–20 CSB

19 When Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab heard about this, they mocked and despised us, and said, “What is this you’re doing? Are you rebelling against the king?” 20 I gave them this reply, “The God of the heavens is the one who will grant us success. We, his servants, will start building, but you have no share, right, or historic claim in Jerusalem.”

The pattern now comes to an end, since the response from the enemies is fear. This part of the struggle has ended in a decisive victory for the Judeans. It is an appropriate outcome also, because the enemies have been trying to make the Judeans afraid (, ). Nehemiah helped bring about this result by trusting God to strengthen him and to bring upon the enemies what they sought to do to others (see comments on ).

Nehemiah 4:1–9 CSB

1 When Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he became furious. He mocked the Jews 2 before his colleagues and the powerful men of Samaria, and said, “What are these pathetic Jews doing? Can they restore it by themselves? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they ever finish it? Can they bring these burnt stones back to life from the mounds of rubble?” 3 Then Tobiah the Ammonite, who was beside him, said, “Indeed, even if a fox climbed up what they are building, he would break down their stone wall!” 4 Listen, our God, for we are despised. Make their insults return on their own heads and let them be taken as plunder to a land of captivity. 5 Do not cover their guilt or let their sin be erased from your sight, because they have angered the builders. 6 So we rebuilt the wall until the entire wall was joined together up to half its height, for the people had the will to keep working. 7 When Sanballat, Tobiah, and the Arabs, Ammonites, and Ashdodites heard that the repair to the walls of Jerusalem was progressing and that the gaps were being closed, they became furious. 8 They all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and throw it into confusion. 9 So we prayed to our God and stationed a guard because of them day and night.

6:16 When all our enemies heard . . . the help of our God. The pattern so far in Nehemiah has been for the enemies to hear about plans or progress made by the Judeans and respond aggressively, requiring a counterresponse from Nehemiah (; ; ). The pattern now comes to an end, since the response from the enemies is fear. This part of the struggle has ended in a decisive victory for the Judeans. It is an appropriate outcome also, because the enemies have been trying to make the Judeans afraid (, ). Nehemiah helped bring about this result by trusting God to strengthen him and to bring upon the enemies what they sought to do to others (see comments on ).

Nehemiah 6:1–9 CSB

1 When Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab, and the rest of our enemies heard that I had rebuilt the wall and that no gap was left in it—though at that time I had not installed the doors in the city gates— 2 Sanballat and Geshem sent me a message: “Come, let’s meet together in the villages of the Ono Valley.” They were planning to harm me. 3 So I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing important work and cannot come down. Why should the work cease while I leave it and go down to you?” 4 Four times they sent me the same proposal, and I gave them the same reply. 5 Sanballat sent me this same message a fifth time by his aide, who had an open letter in his hand. 6 In it was written: It is reported among the nations—and Geshem agrees—that you and the Jews plan to rebel. This is the reason you are building the wall. According to these reports, you are to become their king 7 and have even set up the prophets in Jerusalem to proclaim on your behalf: “There is a king in Judah.” These rumors will be heard by the king. So come, let’s confer together. 8 Then I replied to him, “There is nothing to these rumors you are spreading; you are inventing them in your own mind.” 9 For they were all trying to intimidate us, saying, “They will drop their hands from the work, and it will never be finished.” But now, my God, strengthen my hands.

The pattern now comes to an end, since the response from the enemies is fear. This part of the struggle has ended in a decisive victory for the Judeans. It is an appropriate outcome also, because the enemies have been trying to make the Judeans afraid (, ). Nehemiah helped bring about this result by trusting God to strengthen him and to bring upon the enemies what they sought to do to others (see comments on ).

Nehemiah 6:109

The pattern now comes to an end, since the response from the enemies is fear. This part of the struggle has ended in a decisive victory for the Judeans. It is an appropriate outcome also, because the enemies have been trying to make the Judeans afraid (, ). Nehemiah helped bring about this result by trusting God to strengthen him and to bring upon the enemies what they sought to do to others (see comments on ).

Question: “Are you looking for God’s Hand in your life, patterns of His active presence…or are you choosing to stand in fear and discouragement?”

Nehemiah 6:17–18 CSB

17 During those days, the nobles of Judah sent many letters to Tobiah, and Tobiah’s letters came to them. 18 For many in Judah were bound by oath to him, since he was a son-in-law of Shecaniah son of Arah, and his son Jehohanan had married the daughter of Meshullam son of Berechiah.

Nehemiah 6:17 CSB

17 During those days, the nobles of Judah sent many letters to Tobiah, and Tobiah’s letters came to them.

Sent many letters to Tobiah. Immediately after reporting the great achievement of building the wall, Nehemiah states that there is an ongoing correspondence between Judean nobles and Tobiah. This shows that those Judeans’ allegiance is compromised (v. 18) and poses an internal security threat (v. 19). The restoration is far from complete.

Camps…Be Very Cautious...

6:17 Also . . . sending many letters to Tobiah. Immediately after reporting the great achievement of building the wall, Nehemiah states that there is an ongoing correspondence between Judean nobles and Tobiah. This shows that those Judeans’ allegiance is compromised (v. 18) and poses an internal security threat (v. 19). The restoration is far from complete.

Leadership, wise decision making, means that you will stop and understand all facets of a situation, or in this case an individual.

When we jump to conclusions, or listen to another without looking at all the facts in a matter, we either create or join a “Camp.” The problem with that is not that you are supporting or possibly encouraging someone who is in distress, but instead you remain in that “camp” long after the conflict is over.

Ephesians 4:31–32 CSB

31 Let all bitterness, anger and wrath, shouting and slander be removed from you, along with all malice. 32 And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.

Nehemiah 6:19

Nehemiah 6:19 CSB

19 These nobles kept mentioning Tobiah’s good deeds to me, and they reported my words to him. And Tobiah sent letters to intimidate me.

6:19 Tobiah’s good deeds. It is possible that Tobiah’s family ties to the Judean community had led to business contracts (perhaps the oaths mentioned in v. 18) that brought community’s best interests at heart.

6:19 his good deeds. It is possible that Tobiah’s family ties to the Judean community had led to business contracts (perhaps the oaths mentioned in v. 18) that brought community’s best interests at heart.

Question: “How can you continue to make wise decisions when you know that you are being maligned by those around you?” “What character trait is needed?”

Nehemiah 7:1 CSB

1 When the wall had been rebuilt and I had the doors installed, the gatekeepers, singers, and Levites were appointed.

7:1 the gatekeepers . . . were appointed. The roles mentioned in this verse were normally associated with the temple. But since Tobiah’s tactics and the sparse population of Jerusalem make it vulnerable, these groups are probably assigned to protect the whole city. Placing temple personnel around Jerusalem also has the further effect of portraying the city itself as the holy temple of God, something Jeremiah prophesied it would become ().

Jeremiah 31:38–40 CSB

38 “Look, the days are coming”—the Lord’s declaration—“when the city from the Tower of Hananel to the Corner Gate will be rebuilt for the Lord. 39 A measuring line will once again stretch out straight to the hill of Gareb and then turn toward Goah. 40 The whole valley—the corpses, the ashes, and all the fields as far as the Kidron Valley to the corner of the Horse Gate to the east—will be holy to the Lord. It will never be uprooted or demolished again.”

7:1 the gatekeepers . . . were appointed. The roles mentioned in this verse were normally associated with the temple. But since Tobiah’s tactics and the sparse population of Jerusalem make it vulnerable, these groups are probably assigned to protect the whole city. Placing temple personnel around Jerusalem also has the further effect of portraying the city itself as the holy temple of God, something Jeremiah prophesied it would become ().

Nehemiah 7:3 CSB

3 I said to them, “Do not open the gates of Jerusalem until the sun is hot, and let the doors be shut and securely fastened while the guards are on duty. Station the citizens of Jerusalem as guards, some at their posts and some at their homes.”

Nehemiah 7:3 NLT

3 I said to them, “Do not leave the gates open during the hottest part of the day. And even while the gatekeepers are on duty, have them shut and bar the doors. Appoint the residents of Jerusalem to act as guards, everyone on a regular watch. Some will serve at sentry posts and some in front of their own homes.”

7:3 The gates of Jerusalem . . . let the doors be shut and securely fastened. As I studied this verse there is some uncertainty about the correct translation. It could be saying that the city gates are not to be opened until the hot part of the day (as the CSB and some other translations have it), thus probably opening around noon, or it could mean that they should not be opened during that part of the day (so, e.g., the NLT), thus, not open during the early afternoon. The reasoning in the second case would be that the guards might be on siesta then and the city would be more vulnerable. The intent of the next statement is also uncertain. The NIV states that the gates should be shut before the gatekeepers go off duty, but it could also mean that the gates should be kept shut even while the guards are on duty or that they should be kept shut until the guards come on duty. The intended meaning was probably unambiguous to the original readers, and, whatever it is, it seems that the point is to take unusual steps to ensure the city’s security. Such measures make sense in light of the efforts made by the enemies of the Judeans in preceding chapters and the continuing intimidation tactics of Tobiah mentioned at the end of .

7:3 The gates of Jerusalem . . . let the doors be shut and securely fastened. As I studied this verse there is some uncertainty about the correct translation. It could be saying that the city gates are not to be opened until the hot part of the day (as the CSB and some other translations have it), thus probably opening around noon, or it could mean that they should not be opened during that part of the day (so, e.g., the NLT), thus, not open during the early afternoon. The reasoning in the second case would be that the guards might be on siesta then and the city would be more vulnerable. The intent of the next statement is also uncertain. The CSB states that the gates should be shut before the gatekeepers go off duty, but it could also mean that the gates should be kept shut even while the guards are on duty or that they should be kept shut until the guards come on duty. The intended meaning was probably unambiguous to the original readers, and, whatever it is, it seems that the point is to take unusual steps to ensure the city’s security. Such measures make sense in light of the efforts made by the enemies of the Judeans in preceding chapters and the continuing intimidation tactics of Tobiah.

7:3 The gates of Jerusalem . . . shut the doors and bar them. There is some uncertainty about the correct translation of this part of the verse. It could be saying that the city gates are not to be opened until the hot part of the day (as the NIV and some other translations have it), thus probably opening around noon, or it could mean that they should not be opened during that part of the day (so, e.g., the NLT), thus, not open during the early afternoon. The reasoning in the second case would be that the guards might be on siesta then and the city would be more vulnerable. The intent of the next statement is also uncertain. The NIV states that the gates should be shut before the gatekeepers go off duty, but it could also mean that the gates should be kept shut even while the guards are on duty or that they should be kept shut until the guards come on duty. The intended meaning was probably unambiguous to the original readers, and, whatever it is, it seems that the point is to take unusual steps to ensure the city’s security. Such measures make sense in light of the efforts made by the enemies of the Judeans in preceding chapters and the continuing intimidation tactics of Tobiah mentioned at the end of .

Nehemiah 7:4 CSB

4 The city was large and spacious, but there were few people in it, and no houses had been built yet.

7:4 there were few people in it. Having a sparse population in Jerusalem highlights two problems: (1) the city is more vulnerable to attack, since there are fewer people to be aware of attackers entering, and (2) God’s promised restoration remains unfulfilled, since the prophets predicted that the streets of Jerusalem would be filled with people again (; compare ). In this weakened state, the city is still an object of reproach to some extent, which is the situation Nehemiah has been seeking to change (e.g., ).

7:4 there were few people in it. Having a sparse population in Jerusalem highlights two problems: (1) the city is more vulnerable to attack, since there are fewer people to be aware of attackers entering, and (2) God’s promised restoration remains unfulfilled, since the prophets predicted that the streets of Jerusalem would be filled with people again (; compare ). In this weakened state, the city is still an object of reproach to some extent, which is the situation Nehemiah has been seeking to change (e.g., ). the houses had not yet been rebuilt. It is clear from the end of the preceding verse, as well as from , , that there are houses in Jerusalem at this time. It may be better to translate “houses were not (at that time) being rebuilt,” since the Hebrew allows it.

no house had been built yet. It is clear from the end of the preceding verse, as well as from , , that there are houses in Jerusalem at this time. It may be better to translate “houses were not (at that time) being rebuilt,” since the Hebrew allows it.

Nehemiah 7:5 CSB

5 Then my God put it into my mind to assemble the nobles, the officials, and the people to be registered by genealogy. I found the genealogical record of those who came back first, and I found the following written in it:

7:5 my God put it into my mind(heart). Nehemiah made a similar statement in 2:12 about the idea of rebuilding Jerusalem’s wall. Just as that activity was an important part of God’s restoration of the Judean community, so, by implication, the idea he is about to describe will also contribute to it.

7:5 my God put it into my heart. Nehemiah made a similar statement in 2:12 about the idea of rebuilding Jerusalem’s wall. Just as that activity was an important part of God’s restoration of the Judean community, so, by implication, the idea he is about to describe will also contribute to it. to assemble . . . for registration by families. The purpose of conducting a census becomes clear only in chapter 11. Nehemiah intends to solve the problem of Jerusalem’s underpopulation by having some of the Judeans relocate to the city. To do that he must first know how many there are and where they are. the genealogical record of those who had been the first to return. The numbers on this list are not current in Nehemiah’s day, so initially it seems strange that he considers it useful. It provides a list of clans and local communities where returnees had originally settled, giving him a helpful starting point for organizing the registration of the population by family groupings. But there is a more important factor also. Given the centrality of Jerusalem in the promises of restoration and the concerns about enemies described in the preceding narrative, it is essential that only the true people of God be chosen to repopulate it. Nehemiah wants to know that all who move into Jerusalem are descendants of the Judean exiles who returned in response to Cyrus’s decree, referred to in . When the list was used in , it demonstrated continuity between the returnees and preexilic Israel, showing they were the rightful recipients of God’s restoration promises. Connecting the new residents of Jerusalem with the initial returnees here extends that continuity and guarantees they are the right people to advance the restoration further.

to assemble . . . registered by genealogy (families). The purpose of conducting a census becomes clear only in chapter 11. Nehemiah intends to solve the problem of Jerusalem’s under-population by having some of the Judeans relocate to the city. To do that he must first know how many there are and where they are.

the genealogical record of those who came back first. The numbers on this list are not current in Nehemiah’s day, so initially it seems strange that he considers it useful. However...It provides a list of clans and local communities where returnees had originally settled, giving him a helpful starting point for organizing the registration of the population by family groupings.

But there is a more important factor also. Given the centrality of Jerusalem in the promises of restoration and the concerns about enemies described in the preceding narrative, it is essential that only the true people of God be chosen to repopulate it.

Nehemiah wants to know that all who move into Jerusalem are descendants of the Judean exiles who returned in response to Cyrus’s decree, referred to in . When the list was used in , it demonstrated continuity between the returnees and preexilic Israel, showing they were the rightful recipients of God’s restoration promises. Connecting the new residents of Jerusalem with the initial returnees here extends that continuity and guarantees they are the right people to advance the restoration further.

Nehemiah 7:6 CSB

6 These are the people of the province who went up among the captive exiles deported by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. Each of them returned to Jerusalem and Judah, to his own town.

7:6 These are the people of the province. Same list, for the most part in . There are some discrepancies between the text of this list and its version in , but most of them probably arose in the course of textual transmission. Also, when the original government document was copied into Ezra-Nehemiah in either place, the writer may have felt free to summarize some details; compare especially with .

Ezra 2:68–69 CSB

68 After they arrived at the Lord’s house in Jerusalem, some of the family heads gave freewill offerings for the house of God in order to have it rebuilt on its original site. 69 Based on what they could give, they gave 61,000 gold coins, 6,250 pounds of silver, and 100 priestly garments to the treasury for the project.

7:6 These are the people of the province. For comments on the significance of the list and its internal details, see Interpretive Insights in the unit on . There are some discrepancies between the text of this list and its version in , but most of them probably arose in the course of textual transmission. Also, when the original government document was copied into Ezra-Nehemiah in either place, the writer may have felt free to summarize some details; compare especially with .

Nehemiah 7:70–72 CSB

70 Some of the family heads contributed to the project. The governor gave 1,000 gold coins, 50 bowls, and 530 priestly garments to the treasury. 71 Some of the family heads gave 20,000 gold coins and 2,200 silver minas to the treasury for the project. 72 The rest of the people gave 20,000 gold coins, 2,000 silver minas, and 67 priestly garments.

God enables his people to overcome any and all opposition to achieve his purposes.

Sometimes circumstances are such that even those working against God’s people can recognize his intervention. But even at times like those, it does not necessarily follow that God’s opponents will stop resisting him and trying to carry out their own agenda. Moreover, there are often those among God’s own people who act with mixed allegiances and motives. God’s people must prepare for a long struggle as they seek the fullness of the restoration God has promised. Although God is ultimately the one who ensures the success of his plans, he regularly chooses to work through the thoughtful decisions of those to whom he has assigned responsibility.

In this passage, those with experience guarding the temple are the first appointed to guard duty for the city, and people are asked to keep watch near their own houses. But even more important to God are spiritual considerations. Nehemiah delegates authority on the basis of a man’s integrity and fear of God, and only true Israelites will be recruited to move to Jerusalem.

God’s highest concern is whether people make decisions according to His revealed values; common sense can and should be used when it does not conflict with these.

Turn to

As we close, I would like each of us to take time and really see what is happening in these verses.

Nehemiah and the leaders with whom he works take practical considerations into account, like using the experience people already have and assigning tasks people will likely be motivated to carry out (like guarding the wall near their own homes).

But they give priority to spiritual and moral qualifications.

Similarly, it is necessary to entrust ongoing responsibility in the church to those who demonstrate the kind of character a Christian should have.

Charachter is key. Let’s read through this passage in 1 Timothy. Allow God to speak to you individually.

1 Timothy 4:6–5:2 CSB

6 If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished by the words of the faith and the good teaching that you have followed. 7 But have nothing to do with pointless and silly myths. Rather, train yourself in godliness. 8 For the training of the body has limited benefit, but godliness is beneficial in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 9 This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance. 10 For this reason we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe. 11 Command and teach these things. 12 Don’t let anyone despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity. 13 Until I come, give your attention to public reading, exhortation, and teaching. 14 Don’t neglect the gift that is in you; it was given to you through prophecy, with the laying on of hands by the council of elders. 15 Practice these things; be committed to them, so that your progress may be evident to all. 16 Pay close attention to your life and your teaching; persevere in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers. 1 Don’t rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, and the younger women as sisters with all purity.

Thoughts?

Anyone want to share what they see in these verses as it pertains to a Christ-centered Character?

Personally, It’s in verses 11-16 that speak to me:

Command and Teach: Example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity

Don’t neglect: the gift from God

Practice and be Committed: evident by my words, actions and deeds

Pay Close Attention: How do I reflect Christ in my life to those I encounter.

Remember I shared last week.

1 Corinthians 13:11 CSB

11 When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put aside childish things.

As we stop and see Nehemiah’s example of Wise Leadership, let’s each step back and put aside childish things, concentrate on our Intimacy with Christ: Emotionally, Physically and Spiritually. Let’s begin today, this week, to train ourselves in Godliness…because it holds the promise for both the present life and the life to come.

Let’s pray...

The action of this passage takes place in the context of the recent completion of the Jerusalem wall by the Judeans. They have worked diligently and sacrificially, and their intense labor has been evident to everyone. Yet at the same time it is plain that they have finished it so quickly because God has helped them. While the planting of a new church or the establishment of an effective ministry may not seem like a supernatural event, in a very real way it stands as testimony to divine enabling. The completion of the wall does not mean the end of opposition to the Judeans, however. In addition to attempts at intimidation, Tobiah also cultivates relationships within the Judean community that result in divided loyalties among them. Christians often face this too. Living in the midst of unbelievers, some of whom are antagonistic toward the things of God, they form various kinds of relationships and even interdependencies. But it is important for God’s people to manage those relationships to prevent their loyalty to the cause of Christ from being compromised. It can be a delicate issue, because both those within and those without the church typically have mixed motives, and it is important to try to see all sides of a disagreement. But siding with one who makes attacks against a fellow believer is inappropriate. Given, then, that opposition to the Judeans of Jerusalem continues, it is necessary for them to appoint people to specific responsibilities to provide for the city’s security. This is really the principle behind the criteria given in the New Testament for selecting elders (e.g., ). The goal is to reduce the possibility of compromise among those doing God’s work. At the most general level, Nehemiah perceives the need for more people to live in Jerusalem. But God’s promises concerning Jerusalem are part of his broader promises to his people, so the city must function as God’s city. It is necessary, therefore, to have God’s people, the recipients of his grace in the return from exile, living there. Membership in the church is not based on biological descent or geographical location. It is based on the experience of God’s grace through faith. It is not always possible to be completely certain who is and who is not a believer, but the church must do its best to be sure that the benefits and responsibilities of membership are given only to those who have been given life by the Spirit. Otherwise the church will not function as it should ().

Nehemiah 6:15-7:73 - "Wise Leadership & Those Involved"

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