The Sword And The Trowel (Nehemiah 4:14)

 


Tuesday, October 29, 2024


Psalm 145

Nehemiah 4

2 Peter 1:12-21


The Sword And The Trowel (Nehemiah 4:14)


For the past several months, we have been reviewing a certain portion of Israel’s sacred history with the intention of discovering what, if any, comparisons we can make with our own time. Having done so, we have then been seeking how to apply those lessons and therefore do a better job ourselves. The title of this series has been “The Sword And The Trowel”, and today we read the passage that has inspired our entire study. This is no backyard renovation; the mighty walls of the holy city are being rebuilt. If we are to take this moment in time as an inspirational illustration for our own lives, then note how the work proceeds.


First, it is by the people themselves. While the lectionary skips over chapter three, take a glance at it anyway, and notice how there are no sub-contractors. Everyone in the city is responsible for their own portion of wall. Those who are in a higher position of government are responsible for a greater portion of the wall. Everyone is to get stuck in to building the kingdom of heaven. The barbarians seek to tear down our work; no-one can afford to sit back.


Next, we read that the further along the people got in their work, the greater the increase in the mocking. Do you notice much opposition to Christianity and the church these days? It would seem we are ignored and forgotten about more than anything else. Were we to be more successful in our kingdom work, what might we expect in the way of opposition? Are we ready for it? And why can’t we hear much of it at the moment?


Then, as work proceeded, the opposition got serious. There had to be a reality check. Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other. (v. 17) This is not to say we should be enforcing the kingdom by physical violence; Nehemiah gave us the pattern in his prayer asking God to protect them, instead of asking God to be able to protect themselves. Our sword is the sword of the Spirit, that is, the word of God, and that is what we use to respond to opposition. Meanwhile we have the work of the kingdom to do, and so we have to have another hand free to help the oppressed, the orphan, and the widow.


Finally, listen to Nehemiah’s pep talk. While the Old Testament is full of grand speeches encouraging the people to be brave, Nehemiah’s gives us a special lesson for today. Don’t be afraid; remember the Lord; and remember who it is you are doing this for. G. K. Chesterton once said “The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.” Build the kingdom, Christian: it is for the sake of your children, and your children’s children, down to the thousandth generation, upon whom the Lord, who is great and awesome, is pouring his blessings. Stand and act with courage. Remember: in the end, Christ wins.


Hear us, O our God. Turn the insults of our opponents back on their own heads. Remember your promise to bless us down to the thousandth generation. And in all things, bring all our work to the glory of your holy name.

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