BOOK OF NEHEMIAH
Chapter 4
But it came to pass, that when Sanballat heard that we builded the wall, he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews. And he spoke before the brethren and army of Samaria,and said, What do these feeble Jews? Will they fortify themselves out of the heaps of the rubbish which are burned? Now Tobiah the Ammonnite was by him, and said, Even that which they build, if a fox go up, he shall even break down their stone wall." (Nehemiah 4:1-3).
"God is not a man, that He should lie; neither the son of man, that He should repent: has He said, and shall He not do it? or has He spoken, and shall He not make it good?" (Numbers 23:19)
When Saul became the first king of Israel, not many people were aware of it officially. This was because when he was anointed with oil by prophet Samuel (I Samuel 10:1), it was conducted privately as the Lord directed the prophet. The anointing ritual did not take place in the full glare of publicity. The public ceremony and introduction took place later in I Samuel 10:17-25 and was conducted by the spiritual head Samuel as a mere formality to keep everyone abreast of the latest development in the land. The formality can be considered the equivalent of modern day swearing-in ceremony for a president-elect. The day a president is sworn in does not necessarily mean that is the day he is elected or selected. Usually, he or she would have been picked weeks or months prior to the public formalities.
By now, the anointed one of the Most High God (aka Zoe) is already regarded as an anointed servant of the LORD by the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This has been confirmed by God, through His Spirit, and by utterances (compulsion of speech inspired by the Holy Spirit). According to the scriptures, after the anointing session, Saul met his uncle who engaged him in a conversation. Saul spoke about several issues except "but of the matter of the kingdom, whereof Samuel spoke, he told him not." (I Samuel 10:16). Like Saul, Zoe is not expected to let the cat out of the bag yet. It is wise to be discreet about details of his spiritual identity till the God-ordained time arrives. It is neither advisable nor necessary to disclose details of the covenant between him and the Father until the appointed time. Disclosure is not necessary as the anointing will speak for itself as time goes on.
"You are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid." (Matthew 5:14).
"And all Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the LORD (without Samuel or anybody telling anyone anything)" (I Samuel 3:20).
Even if Zoe hid "himself among the stuff" like Saul, the LORD will find ways of seeking him out. The Most High will launch him through several stages of fame and full glare of publicity - even if it means touching the heart of individuals who will "ran and fetch him thence." (I Samuel 10:22-23).
Similar situation applies to Nehemiah. Nehemiah was appointed and anointed by the LORD to spearhead the building of the wall of Jerusalem. He made progress "according to the good hand of my God upon me." (Nehemiah 2:8,18). Building the wall of Jerusalem is not a crime. In fact, it is a God-given task. One thing worth keeping in mind is that even though a mission is linked to God's will and purpose, it does not mean there will be no opposition. In fact, if and when God is involved, mounting oppositions can be expected. There is need to watch out for the Sanballats and Tobiahs whose roles may be similar to that of the children of Belial. The children of Belial opposed the choice of Saul as the king of Israel.
"But the children of Belial said, How shall this man save us? And they despised him, and brought him no present..........." (I Samuel 10:27).
Don't let it come to you as surprise if and when opposing gestures are directed towards you. Brace yourself for demeaning remarks and gestures. You most likely will be a victim of vicious and unfound allegations, hateful comments, character assassination and hate propaganda. Attempts will be made to demean you and destroy your image. Prejudice and bias that are uncalled for most likely will come your way. More often than not, you will be a victim of conspiracy even among your so-called close associates. On countless occasions, hostile actions, words, opinions and gestures will come your way. To say the least, several attempts will be made to add the spice of trauma to your life and circumstances by the Sanballats, Tobiahs and the children of Belial. For such individuals, their contribution to the building of the wall of Jerusalem are pessimistic utterances; demoralizing opinions; views that are conducive to frustration and failure; pieces of advice that seem sincere but are based on falsehood and ill-will.
"That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive." (Ephesians 4:14).
For such individuals, when it comes to
"........... the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:........." (Ephesians 4:12), they most likely will not be available. For such individuals, perception of anything to do with the anointed one will readily spark off evil thoughts, envy, malice, strife, "bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking." (Ephesians 4:31). Sanballats and Tobiahs are not interested in offering words of encouragement or correction. Rather, they are more interested in devising deceptive ways to discourage the anointed one from building the wall. Their ministry is to undermine the effort of the LORD's instrument. They are experts in using seemingly sincere intentions and gestures to disguise ulterior motives.
"Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ." (Colossians 2:8).
Should it happen that they get the slightest hint of hindrance or setback in the building of the wall, it is another opportunity to organize a festival of mockery. They take joy in staging circumstances that are capable of leading to the downfall of their targets. They are apt at posing seemingly harmless questions that are meant to trap their would-be victims in their words. They are masters at spreading untrue rumours capable of lowering the level of acceptance and support that the LORD allowed his chosen instrument to have.
Remember in John 1:46 when
"Philip finds Nathanael, and said to him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. And Nathanael said to him, Can there any good come out of Nazareth?........" (John 1:45-46).
As regards, Nehemiah and building the wall of Jerusalem, the answer the Sanballat and Tobiah will give to Nathaniel's question would be an emphatic NO. And believe me, they will mean it from their heart.
More often than not, Sanballats and Tobiahs will be found among folks who assume one form of religious identity or the other. Such folks may appear as though they are sharing God's word. It will take spiritual discernment to realise that their sharing is based on doctrines of men. Watch out for folks who lay emphasis on idiosyncrasis while downplaying the LORD's will, purpose and direction.
The activities of Sanballats and Tobiahs, and children of Belial can be discerned in the following Biblical instances:
. Attempt to discredit Jesus by portraying him as winebibber
and glutton because he fraternized with 'sinners'.
. Attempt to demean the authenticity of God's power by attributing
Jesus' miraculous deeds to Satan. Jesus was accused of using
the power of Beelzebub to cast out demons.
. Attempt to portray Jesus as anti-government / anti-authority by tempting him with question regarding whether or not to pay taxes to Ceasar.
. Asking individuals to go and ask Jesus provocative questions.
. Several attempts made on Jesus' life by the Pharisees, Saducces and High Priests.
. Various counsel taken by the Pharisees, Saducces and High Priests towards eliminating Jesus.
. Treatments meted out on Jesus between the time he was arrested and the time he was crucified.
. Bearing false witness against Jesus during his trial.
. Rejection of Jesus by his own people.
. Mocking remarks made at Jesus on the cross.
. Portrayal of John the Baptist as being possessed by evil spirit
because he committed himself to his ministry through fasting and
abstinence.
. Incessant persecution faced by the apostles in form of
imprisonment, harassment, beating and threatening the apostles
as way of discouraging them from preaching the gospel.
. Arresting the apostles and levelling unfounded allegations \
against them.
No doubt, the Sanballats and Tobiahs do have some cards up their sleeves, and they are not to be taken for granted. At any point in time, they may fire fiery, wicked darts. Does this mean the anointed one is helpless? Of course not! The LORD is more than willing to clothe Zoe's spirit with the whole armour of God. The LORD has put the sword of the spirit - the living word of God - in Zoe's hand. The sword is meant to strike the forces of darkness that operates through the Sanballats and Tobiahs. He has got the shield of faith to quench the fiery darts being fired constantly. (Ephesians 6:11-17).
It was pointed out earlier that
"But it came to pass, that when Sanballat heard that we builded the wall, he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked........." (Nehemiah 4:1).
Listen to this:
SANBALLAT: What do these feeble so-called believer?
ZOE: What does it look like? Building the wall of Jerusalem, of course. What do you think? By the way, who gave you the erroneous impression that I am feeble? Did the scripture not state that "I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me," (Philippians 4:13). "Faithful is He that calls you, who also will do it." (I Thessalonians 5:24). "Fear thou not; for I am with you: be not dismayed; for I am your God: I will strengthen you; yea, I will help you; yea, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness. Behold, all they that were incensed against you shall be as nothing; and they that strive with you shall perish." (Isaiah 41:10-11). "For He has said, I will never leave you, nor forsake you. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me." (Hebrews 13:5-6). "But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God has chosen the weak of this world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, has God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: that no flesh should glory in His presence." (I Corinthinans 1:27-29).
SANBALLAT: Sounds great. But wait a minute, mate. What makes you think that you will fortify yourself and offer sacrifices? Just what makes you or anyone believe that you will make an end in a day and revive the stones out of the heaps of the rubbish which are burned?
ZOE: Did the LORD not say in His word that "A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a great nation: I the LORD will hasten it in its time." (Isaiah 60:22). "For with God nothing shall be impossible." (Luke 1:37). "The things which are impossible with men are possible with God." (Luke 18:27). And "the zeal of the LORD will do this" (Isaiah 37:32). Anyway, they that God employs, they also He empowers.
SANBALLAT: What confidence is this wherein you boast? Now on whom do you trust that makes you so audacious to rebel against me?
ZOE: The LORD God Almighty, of course. Didn't you hear me say earlier that "For He has said, I will never leave, nor forsake you. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me." (Hebrews 13:5-6). I can stand and face you. I am battle-ready. Mind you, "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds." (II Corinthians 10:4). "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early. The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: He uttered His voice, the earth melted. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he has made in the earth. He makes war to cease unto the end of the earth; He breaks the bow, and cut the spear in sunder; He burns the chariot in the fire. Be still and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge." (Psalm 46:1-11).
SANBALLAT: But if you say to me, "We trust in the LORD God Almighty", let not your God in whom you trust deceive you by His consistent words of assurance of you building the wall successfully. Of course, you must have heard of my past exploits. What exploits? Why, hindering anointed ones of God like you from building the walls that were suppose to build. More often than not, if and when an opportunity presents itself, I actually pull down the wall after its construction or at its completion stage. History is not much on your side, pal. I just don't see how your story can be different. Do you?
ZOE: Of course, I do. "Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubabbel you shall become a plain........"; "Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of hosts." (Zechariah 4:7,6). My utterances and faith are not based on any ideology or philosophy of man. Did the scripture not state that "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17) "And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing word of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power." My faith is not based on "the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.......... yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought." (I Corinthians 2:4-6). Like Joshua and Caleb, I maintain a firm stand on God's words of promises. (Joshua 13,14). And you will see for yourself that the scriptures is right when it stated that "A thousand shall fall by your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you. Only with your eyes shall you behold and see the reward of the wicked. Because you have made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the Most High, your habitation. There shall no evil befall you, neither shall any plague come near your dwelling." (Psalms 91:7-10). At one time or the other, some may have fallen prey to your evil ploys, but sorry, with me, you are backing up the wrong tree. For "they that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abides forever." (Psalm 125:1)
TOBIAH: Don't listen to his silly talk, dear Sanballat. Even that which they build, even if a fox go up, he shall even break down their stone wall. Or what do you think?
SANBALLAT: Sure, you're right pal.
ZOE: NO, you are wrong! For the LORD is the LORD who says 'Yes" and if any dare say 'No' it shall not stand. He is the God who shuts and no man can open. And when He opens, none can close. Likewise, the LORD builds, and none destroys. When He destroys, just who can build? Remember, "what therefore God has joined together let no man put asunder." (Mark 10:9). He has promised that He will never fail, and His faithfulness is not only sure, it is forever. "Or has He spoken? and shall He not make it good? (Numbers 23:19)" And on a final and serious note, let it be known to you and your cohort that there is no counsel, nor wisdom, nor understanding that can stand against God. There is nothing to fear for very soon you shall be made my footstool. Your boasts are empty. Your terror is frail in the light of the power of the LORD. Your threat is void. For "greater is He that is in me, than He that is in the world." (1 John 4:4) Now be off with right now, else.........
How about that? That is a good and effective way to deal with the Sanballats and Tobiahs anytime they rear their heads. Entertaining fear will not help a bit.
"For God has not given us the Spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." (II Timothy 1:7).
A firm stand on the word of God - His sound words of promises - and unshakeable faith in the LORD is more like it.
"But thanks be to God, which gives us the victory through our LORD Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be you steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the word of the LORD, for as much as you know your labour is not in vain in the LORD. (I Corinthians 15:58).
"Casting all your care upon Him; for He cares for you." (I Peter 5:7).
Make sure you first
"Submit yourself therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you." (James 4:7).
Take time to seek His face and wait upon Him. Don't forget
"The horse is prepared against the day of battle, but safety is of the Lord." (Proverbs 21:31)
Spend more time in His presence and see if unending spiritual strength that is needed to accomplish the task ahead will not be channeled into you.
"Have you not known? Have you not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of His understanding . He gives power to the faint; and to them that have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." (Isaiah 40:28-31).
"In Your presence is fullness of joy, at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore." (Psalm 16:11)
"Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." (Nehemiah 8:10)
How about borrowing a leaf from Nehemiah's book? Rather than panic or throw his hands up in despair and surrender, he turned to the LORD. (Nehemiah 4:4-5). And what was the outcome?
"So he built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work." (Nehemiah 4:6).
Zoe is being assured that despite all odds, "all the wall" will be "joined together". The wall of Jerusalem - the ministry - will not be constructed (or built) perfunctorily. The ministry that God is giving Zoe will not be developed just anyhow. The manifestation and rise of the ministry may seem meteoric. The meteoric rise of the ministry in the physical realm will be because of the preparations and victories scored in the spirit realm over the years. The 'wall' will not be developed with materials that are below standard. In fact, just like the temple in the book of Ezekiel, the 'wall' will be developed in accordance with standards required and acceptable to God. Of course, many will admire the ministry. The uniqueness of the ministry will leave no one in doubt. The needed skill and expertise will be made available so that the perfection and excellence will characterize the ministry.
Let it not surprise Zoe that as in Nehemiah's case, God will touch the heart of many to demonstrate unusual level of zeal, preparedness, seriousness, determination, unwillingness and co-operation towards the 'building of the wall'. The project will be embraced by many, thus creating avenues for "my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19).
Whatever it will take to make the 'wall' into what God desired it to be will not be lacking. Have this assurance at the back of your mind. The psalmist's assertion will be proved right that
"I have been young and now I am old, Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seeds begging bread." (Psalm 37:25)
And as expected, the enemies of progress reared their heads again when the news of the successful completion of the wall of Jerusalem reached them.
"But it came to pass, that when Sanballat and Tobiah, and the Arabians, and the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites, heard that the walls of Jerusalem were made up, and that the breaches began to be stopped, then they were very wroth. And conspired all of them together to come and to fight against Jerusalem, and to hinder it. Nevertheless we made our prayer to our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them." (Nehemiah 4:7-9).
It was stated earlier that Nehemiah called upon the LORD for help. Yet the enemies' onslaught did not cease. In fact, it seemed to be mounting. This is enough to make some folks doubt God's ability to answer prayers. This can make believers that are not deeply rooted doubt the calling that God has laid upon their lives. Many may even think that the anointed one's ministry is not as authentic as perceived or portrayed. Despite all odds, Nehemiah remained undaunted.
"Nevertheless we made our prayer to our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them." (Nehemiah 4:9).
Did the scriptures not state that
"And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall be corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. (Daniel 11:35).
Setting a watch involve keeping one's eyes and ears open at all times. Being alert, and not being caught off one's guard. Setting a prayer watch is strongly advisable.
"Watch and pray, that you fall not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." (Matthew 26:41).
"Why sleep you? Rise and pray, lest you enter into temptation." (Luke 22:46).
What Nehemiah needed while building the wall of Jerusalem is as much support and encouragement as he can get. Instead, what hit him were negative reports. The last thing he needed to hear was news of possible invasion by Sanballat and his cohorts. As if the threat constituted by the adversaries is not enough.
"The people of Judah had a song they sang: "We grow weak carrying burdens; There's so much rubble to take away. How can we build the wall today?" Our enemies thought we should not see them or know what was happening until they were already upon us, killing us and putting an end to our work. But time after time Jews who were living among our enemies came to warn us of the plans our enemies were making against us. I armed the people with swords, spears, bows, and stationed them by clans behind the wall, wherever it was still unfinished." (Nehemiah 4:10-13).
"Finally my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterances may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak." (Ephesians 6:10-20).
Remember the time when twelve spies were sent to see what the promise land looks like? (Numbers 13,14). The people needed encouragement to enable them accomplish the mission they had embarked on. The mission: to reach and possess the promised land. On the contrary, ten of the twelve spies came back with pessimistic and negative reports about the land. This made the people's heart sank and cold jitters ran down their spine. They murmured and complained against the LORD. They contemplated on going back to slavery. Talking about throwing in the towel on God's plan and purpose. The wrath of the LORD was incurred, and justifiably so for He had faithfully taken them through thicks and thins over the years. By His acts of power they had survived adversities. As a result, the people perished in multitude in the wilderness. Not everyone who started the journey completed it. Nehemiah's case proved different. Nehemiah and his companions did not bat an eyelid at the threat of their adversaries. They did not allow the threats to distract them. They maintained their focus on the LORD. They fixed their gaze on the Most High God in utmost faith and believed in Him like they always have from the beginning. Their faith is hinged on God and the fact that
"When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of God shall lift up a standard against it." (Isaiah 59:19)
"Cast not away therefore your confidence, which has great recompense of reward. For you have need of patience, that after you have done the will of God, you might receive the promise....... Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back into perdition, but of them that believe to the sowing of soul." (Hebrews 10:35-39).
"Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouth of lions, quenched the violence, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of aliens." (Hebrews 11:2,39).
"Jesus said to her, "Didn't I tell you that you would see the glory of God if you believed?" (John 11:40).
"If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes." (Mark 9:23)
Even if others had felt jittery and panicky in the past, Nehemiah proved otherwise. And why not? Afterall,
"For I know that my redeemer lives." (Job 19:25).
"And I rose up, and said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, Be not you afraid of them: remember the LORD, which is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses." (Nehemiah 4:14).
"Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised;)" (Hebrews 10:23).
Yeah, He that initiated the idea of building wall is more than able to prove His mettle in ensuring its completion. He that called you into ministry in His vineyard is more than able to foot the bill.
"Our enemies heard that we had found out what they were plotting, and they realized that God had defeated their plans. Then all of us went back to rebuilding the wall. (Nehemiah 4:15).
Glory be to our God who made His fear descend on our adversaries. Of real and of truth,
"There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against God." (Proverbs 21:30)
The building of the wall progressed. Caution was taken to quell possible invasion of the adversaries. But of greater significance is the fact that
"........... our God shall fight for us." (Nehemiah 4:20).
God bless.
Yours
Adekunle O. Majek'
H I A F E M
Of impact, quality and excellence
That's the Spirit!
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