Nehemiah: Rise and Build

Sunday, March 10^th 2024

Nehemiah 6-7

Introduction

Godly Leaders must be discerning, relentless,

and trust others to accomplish God’s plan

1. Nehemiah’s Challenges (v.1-14)

Nehemiah continues to tell the story of those who are jealous and wanting to try and hinder the work of God in building the wall. They are using every tactic known to hinder this project and try to destroy Nehemiah in the process. They did this through various ways:

1. They wanted to harm him v.2
2. They wanted to frighten him v.9
3. They wanted to spiritual intimidate him v.13
4. They wanted to undermine him v.19

1. Nehemiah’s Response

Nehemiah was not going to be deterred in what he was doing. His focus was on the task at hand, what God had called him to do.

• Nehemiah was discerning

Nehemiah took each point and discerned the intent behind them and then trusted God through the process.

v.3 – “And I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?”

v.5-9 – Change of plan and tactic – from playing nice – even though Nehemiah discerned it – to now trying to ‘frighten him’ – which only proved Nehemiah was right in his discernment.

v.10-14 – Now comes the spiritual intimidation

• Nehemiah was relentless

v.15 – So the wall was finished in 52 days…and when all our enemies heard of it, all the nations around us were afraid and feel greatly in their own esteem, for THEY perceived that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God.

The wall is built in 52 days! Nehemiah has accomplished what God has called him to do. Nehemiah’s response is what his character has been shown throughout: he gives glory to God.

v.16 – “…with the help of our God…”

But the accusations never seem to stop – we must be relentless in doing God’s work.

v.19 – “And Tobiah sent letters to make me afraid.”

• Nehemiah trusted others

Nehemiah has accomplished something that seemed impossible, but now he must begin to make important decisions concerning Jerusalem.

He appoints ‘gatekeepers’ for protection.

He appoints ‘the singers’ for leading of worship in God

He appoints ‘the Levites’ or leading in teaching God’s people

He also appointed his brother and another for leadership positions in the city. He wanted faithful men who feared God. These were men of character and faith!

2 Timothy 2:2

• Conclusion

Nehemiah handled the challenges the way our Savior handled them. He did not lose focus in following the purpose of His father.

But kept his focus on the cross of Christ – Hebrews says ‘for the joy set before him. He endured the cross.’