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Topic: So, The Wall Was Completed!
Opening Prayer: Lord, let the light of your word shine into my life as I meditate on your word.
Scripture: Nehemiah 6:1-19
Question(s) for Reflection
• Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
• Is there any warning for me to heed?
Outline: The partridge watches with both its eyes and wings’ (Yoruba adage). It is ever sensitive to the slightest noise or movement. Nehemiah too was extremely watchful, carefully analysed all that was occurring around him and saw through the pretences of the enemies of the building project and their supporters.
Thus far, all attempts by the enemies to stop God’s work had failed, whether ridicule or threats. But the enemies will not give up. Now they asked to dialogue with Nehemiah.
Ordinarily that would look harmless, but Nehemiah saw through their pretence. He will not allow anything to divert his attention from the work. Note how many times Nehemiah’s enemies asked him for dialogue and he refused and note also his reason (vs 2 – 4).
They tried false accusation against Nehemiah to frighten him, but he remained resolute and did not give in to their trick (v. 5 – 9). The final trick of the enemies, however, was much more dangerous. They hired people who claim to speak in God’s name to give advice that sounded very godly.
Nehemiah refused to be lured into neither hiding as proposed by Shemaiah (v.10) nor yield to the ‘good advice’ offered by Jewish nobles who have entered into a pact with the enemies.
And so, the wall was completed after 52 days of hard work, despite all the oppositions that Nehemiah and the builders met. Notice the effect of this great achievement on the nations around (v.16).
Notice also what the nobles of Judah did with Tobiah the archenemy of the Jews (vs. 17 – 19; 2 Cor. 6: 14 – 17).
• Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Closing Prayer
• Lord, help me to discern and avoid all distractions and try hard to reach the goal before me.
• Pray against sexual exploitation and religious intimidation in IDP/refugee camps; pray for the Christians among them to withstand such pressures; also ask for adequate provision and protection in these facilities.
Offer a prayer of faith in line with Genesis 26:12-13; 2 Chron. 13-14; Luke 7:1-30
Scripture Union Daily Guide 25 November 2021. Scripture Union is an international, interdenominational, evangelical Christian organization. It was founded in 1867, and works in partnership with individuals and churches across the world. The organization’s stated aim is to use the Bible to inspire children, young people and adults to know God.
