This post is for the rest of Chapter 2.
I'll be honest, compared to the first three sections (I like giving each chapter a couple sections) this second half of chapter 2 requires a little more digging.
Nehemiah shows up on the scene in Jerusalem after a long journey (depending on the route-- and depending on which source of information you go by it was anywhere from 500 to 1,500 miles) and rests for three days. He then begins his research and plan for the rebuilding of the wall. Keep in mind, this was not the first time the walls had been attempted to be rebuilt. But each time before ended in failure with most of the rocks from the original wall still down in a ditch somewhere (literally).
But look at how Nehemiah accomplished his goal. We've already looked at his prayer life and we will remember that but not focus on it for this section.
Nehemiah isn't concerned with puffing himself up. He doesn't show up in Jerusalem and have a parade for himself or shoot off confetti or put "Vote Nehemiah" signs on people's lawns. Instead, he rests (v. 11) and then gets to work by himself (unless you count the "animal" with him [probably a mule according to Allistair Begg]).
He isn't ashamed to be about God's work by himself. He doesn't whine and say "If God would only give me some company or a friend I would be about his business." No, he gets to work and doesn't care. Why? Because God has placed that motivation in his heart and Nehemiah is faithful to carry that out even when difficulties come up.
2 Corinthians 5 tells us that we are compelled by the love of Christ. In fact, the verse that everyone misquotes "I can do all things..." is actually talking about keeping the right mindset and the right motivation even when things around us get ugly. That is being faithful.
We are part of the family of God. Nehemiah (after he has carefully planned out his objective and his challenges) rallies the Jews to one cause by reminding them of their unity. In verse 17 he starts a pep talk by saying "we" and "us" rather than "me" and "I". This isn't a false vanity trip to make them think they are terrific people. He does this to remind them that they are a unified body chosen by God. As ministers of God's glory we have to remember that it's not about who we are, it's about who God is. There will be times where we are called to minister and people won't notice it. Our gut instinct (truly, our fleshly visceral instinct) is to wonder why people aren't noticing us or praising us or commending us but we have to realize that we are either glorifying God or we are glorifying ourselves and there is really no way to do both. And God has designed it to be that way for a reason.
Be a ninja when you minister. Don't worry about whether people will see you or notice you just focus on getting the job done effectively. Be faithful to your Savior.
True, there are verses that talk about shining in ways that people "see your good works" (e.g. Matthew 5:16) but it always comes back to doing it in a way that they glorify God rather than us. It's a narrow path to walk. It has to be. Be faithful.
If you are trying to serve God faithfully, then you are also engaged in spiritual warfare. Everything that tends to your victory is good. Everything that tends to your defeat is evil. If you can see that, it will make a great difference in how you fight the battle.
-James Mongomery Boice
you pointed out how he talks about the situation without focusing on "I" and "me" to promote unity among them. I like that he includes himself in what they are facing. "WE will no longer be in disgrace" (which again promotes unity) He was so far away, but is telling them that he still felt what they were feeling. Then he encourages them in telling about how God had been so gracious to him. I wasn't even there, but I can hear how confident he was. It helps erase any doubt they'd have that God was working for them.
ReplyDelete...what part were you referring to that he was alone?