RPG Adults
SERVICE AMIDST OPPOSITION (II)
LORD’S DAY, JANUARY 18
Nehemiah 4:1-6
2 Corinthians 12:8-10
“…when I am weak,
then am I strong.”
SERVICE AMIDST OPPOSITION (II)
The opposition of Sanballat against the work did not abate. As the work progressed, the opposition also progressed. From the account of Nehemiah 4 (both in the accounts of the nature and form of opposition, as well as in the account of the progress of the work and the response of Nehemiah and the builders), we may draw many valuable lessons to help us learn how to keep serving and remain stedfast in the faith and in the work of the Lord despite the varied oppositions and obstacles we may face in our Christian life, walk and service.
What do these feeble Jews? (Neh 4:2). The first question was about the physical strength of the Jews. The question was aimed at planting doubt in the hearts of the workers, doubt that was natural and would have troubled the returnees in Jerusalem as recorded in the post-exilic writings. Zechariah, when speaking of the building of the Temple, posed the question “who hath despised the day of small things?” (Zech 4:10). At the laying of the foundation of the Temple, there was both joy and mourning with many of those “that had seen the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice” (Ezra 3:12). And also, Haggai, when sent to speak to, and to encourage, Zerubbabel and Joshua and the remnants for the work, posed the question: “is it not in your eyes in comparison of it as nothing?” (Hag 2:3). Indeed, it is natural for us to despise small things, and to make comparisons and judgments, and to cease from serving because of them. Often times, when doubts or fears arise, we find ourselves sitting still, wondering and trying to resolve and answer the doubts we have in our minds. Many a time, we end up dishonouring God by relying on our own strength and not trusting His grace and wisdom. We ought to always remember that it is “not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit” (Zech 4:6) that God’s work gets done. In the presence of doubt, we must “be strong” and “work,” trusting in the promise of God who says “I am with you” (Hag 2:4).
THOUGHT: Faith, courage and prudence are necessary elements of Christian service.
PRAYER: Father, keep me stedfast in service and fervent in spirit.