RPG Adults
APPROACH TO SERVICE (III)
SATURDAY, JANUARY 10
Nehemiah 2:9-20
2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1
“…but ye have no portion, nor right,
nor memorial, in Jerusalem.”
APPROACH TO SERVICE (III)
Nehemiah’s delay served not only to allow him to rally and enlist help for the great work ahead, it also served another important function. It exposed compromisers who would hamper and hinder the work. Many a time, those who have no desire to serve and those who seek to hinder God’s work would hypocritically present themselves as friends, not foes. One who is zealous but inexperienced might easily be led astray by them, especially in the pastoral ministry. The discretion of Nehemiah upon arrival in Jerusalem kept the news from reaching the ears of Sanballat. Though Sanballat was greatly grieved that “there was come a man to seek the welfare” (Neh 2:10) of Jerusalem, the actual intentions and plans of Nehemiah were delayed in reaching him.
When Sanballat the Horonite… heard it, they laughed us to scorn (Neh 2:19). Nehemiah rallied the people to work. At the same time, to Sanballat and Tobiah’s names was added “Geshem the Arabian” (Neh 2:19) whose name did not appear in verse 10. They, who had been greatly grieved, now “laughed us to scorn, and despised us” (Neh 2:19). When they heard of Nehemiah’s plans, they mocked Nehemiah and sought to weaken his people before the work started. Thank God that Nehemiah had the opportunity to encourage the people before Sanballat and his group started discouraging them. How many times has a good work stalled and failed because the people were discouraged even before the work started?
We his servants will arise and build (Neh 2:20). The resolve of Nehemiah was a discriminating one. God’s work is not for everyone. It is exclusive. there are those who have “no portion, nor right” (Neh 2:20) in it, and they must not be involved in the work! What prospers God’s work, and what prospers God’s servants is not numbers or political support. It is God who both prospers and accomplishes His work and His servants in their service for Him. God’s servants must take a stand in service, and Nehemiah did so, making it plain and clear that the enemies had no part in their work for God.
THOUGHT: Stand up, Stand up for Jesus, Stand in His strength alone!
PRAYER: Give me courage to overcome fear and remain stedfast, Father.