It was the start of a new chapter in the history of God’s people. Jerusalem had been destroyed, the temple had been burned, and God’s city lay in a state of ruin. The people of Jerusalem had been punished for seven decades in Babylonian captivity, but now it was time for Jehovah’s faithful remnant to return home and rebuild. As foretold by God’s weeping prophet years beforehand, the Lord would surely punish His people for their sins of idolatry and rebellion, but His anger would not burn hot forever. God promised His nation that He would bring them back home to fulfill His plans for their future (see Jeremiah 25:12-14; 29:10-14). Thus a new era of Hebrew history begins—an exciting chapter of hope, return and restoration. A total of five Old Testament books weave together to tell this story. Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Haggai, and Zechariah give us the account of the triumphs and tragedies in their time of rebuilding. They chronicle the return of the Jews to the city of Jerusalem, their efforts to rebuild the temple, and their hard work of reconstructing the ruined walls of the city.
Nehemiah’s great work for God falls last in line after progress through Zerubbabel and Ezra. His mission, though, was central to the safety and future of God’s people. Even though the temple had been rebuilt and the Jews were adjusting to life back home, the walls of the city remained in a state of disrepair. Not only was this unsafe for the occupants of the city, it was a “shame” (Nehemiah 1:3), causing them to “suffer derision” (Nehemiah 2:17). It was an insult to God and a shame for His people for Jerusalem to remain in such a state of disrepair and dilapidation. That’s why Nehemiah launched one of the greatest building programs in the history of God’s people. He left his stable occupation in Persia, crafted an eager coalition of workers in Jerusalem, rolled up his sleeves to press through persecution and negativity, and successfully rebuilt the walls of the city of God in just 52 days (see Nehemiah 6:15). His name now stands as one of the greatest leaders to have ever walked this earth. Nehemiah built a wall. Above all, Nehemiah built a people in the process.
God’s building projects are not finished! What “wall” is God asking you to build? What great thing is God asking you to do for His glory? God always has a work for His people. He always has a challenge, coupled with an invitation for us to rise to the occasion. The church still needs great leaders like Nehemiah. The church still aches for willing workers like the dedicated wall builders under Nehemiah’s guidance. God’s people accomplished a monumental task in the days of Nehemiah. The church can still do the improbable, inconceivable, and the seemingly impossible today. However, we must possess the same qualities found in the people of Nehemiah’s day. A careful look at Nehemiah’s words in Nehemiah 2:17-20 will reveal several key qualities which enabled them to successfully build their wall. We must take these leaves out of their book and use them today as a model for our work in God’s kingdom.
First, they were people who believed in the cause. In Nehemiah 2:17, Nehemiah reminded the people that living in a city without walls was the reason why they were suffering “derision” (ESV). In that culture, a weak city was a sign of the weakness of that city’s god. For Jerusalem to be without proper walls and gates, that left them vulnerable to predators and enemies. Additionally, it caused God to be mocked and ridiculed. This was ample reason for the people to rise to the occasion and rebuild the walls. Similarly, there must be a cause that is burning in our hearts if we want to accomplish great good for God. The cause of Christ, the success of His church, and the eternity of lost souls are good places to begin.
Second, they were people who had faith in their Creator. Sure, this work would be destined to have challenges. However, Nehemiah assured the people of their success by reminding them of God’s proven power. Nehemiah said, “I told them of the hand of my God that had been upon me for good…so they strengthened their hands for the good work” (Nehemiah 2:18). He called to their minds God’s power that had already brought him thus far, reminding them God will see to it their work was completed. Likewise, we must awaken a mighty trust in our God’s power and might. If we are to be successful in any of our endeavors, we must remember God can and will “do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20).
Third, they were people who understood the importance of cooperation. Do you know what the people said in response to Nehemiah’s encouragement? They said, “Let us rise up and build” (Nehemiah 2:18). Throughout Nehemiah 2:17-20, there is a reoccurring emphasis on “us” and “we”, reflecting their ministry mindset. Nehemiah did not believe in a one man ministry, nor did the willing workers who pledged to help. They knew they needed each other and had to work together. This principle applies to God’s work today! Paul often described the church as a body to illustrate the cooperative nature of the church (cf. Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4). We can’t put all the work on the shoulders of a few if we are to work well and have much success. We must learn to share the load and work together.
Fourth, they were people who were not deterred by criticism. It happened immediately after they resolved to start building—criticism came! In Nehemiah 2:19-20, opposition first came in the form of mockery from Sanballat, Tobiah, and Gesham. However, throughout the next three chapters, resistance against the work steadily increased. Nehemiah and the wall builders would have to overcome ridicule (4:1-6), violence (4:7-9), negativity (4:10), fear tactics (4:11-23), selfishness (5:1-19), attempts at compromise 6:1-4), slander (6:5-9), false teaching (6:10-14), and some of their own who became traitors (6:15-19). They were working hard, but Satan was also doing all that he could to thwart their work for Jehovah. God’s people must be aware that discouragement and opposition will always abound from without and within the congregation. However, we can’t lose heart and grow weary in our service. There will be great results and a fruitful harvest “if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).
What “wall” is God asking you to build? What great thing can you do for Him? Nehemiah 2:17-20 is how they built their wall in just 52 days. Take these characteristics, make them descriptive of you, and be amazed at the incredible things God can do through you!
Brandon Baggett is a former Pulpit Minister for Eastern Meadows Church of Christ.
