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PERSPECTIVES FOR SUCCESSFUL SERVICE (III)
LORD’S DAY, FEBRUARY 15
Nehemiah 6:1-4

Judges 16:13-21

 

“…his soul was

vexed unto death.”

 

PERSPECTIVES FOR SUCCESSFUL SERVICE (III)
 
The persistent onslaught of the enemy can be overwhelming. Nehemiah, like Samson, faced a relentless foe who repeatedly pressured him, seeking to gain the upper hand over him. Nehemiah successfully repelled the onslaught and achieved great success, while Samson failed at a great cost. The differences between them were great too. Samson was pressured while engaging in the pursuit of his own fleshly lusts, not the call of God; Nehemiah faced the pressure while engaged in the work of God. Samson gave a different answer every time, while Nehemiah gave the same answer every time.
 
I answered them after the same manner (Neh 6:4). Resolve is seen in the position and stand one takes. Sanballat and his allies were undaunted by the first reply, and tried again. Nehemiah was firm and fixed in his views, and sent the same reply to the same question. Nothing had changed for Nehemiah for him to give a different answer. He was still occupied in the same work, and irrespective of the amount done or left, it remained a great work that could not be left incomplete for any reason. The importance and value of the work do not decrease with the progress made in the work. The determination of Sanballat and his allies was met with a resolute and focused Nehemiah who gave the same reply. The burden Nehemiah had as he set out from Shushan to Jerusalem was what he focused on while in Jerusalem. He did not have a change of perspective, or look for “better things” to do when the work was going on well. He did not allow himself to be drawn away from the work that he had set out to do. He did not think that the work would progress in his absence. His answer showed that he understood that his presence was valuable for the work. How we should pray that God will give us a high value and a resolute perspective of His work and service. The reason for focus and persistence in the work is the value and perspective the servant has of the work. Like Delilah, the world will be relentless and persistent to pressure us to change and conform to it. Spiritual strength and fortitude will be reflected in one’s unwavering faith and focus on God and His call, and on the work of God at hand.
 
THOUGHT: (Read Romans 12:1-2.)

PRAYER: (Ask the Saviour to help you, He is willing to aid you.)

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