Complete the Assignment
With progress continuing on the
rebuilding of the walls, Nehemiah’s
opponents shift their attacks from
direct confrontation to conspiracy.
Sanballat and Geshem repeatedly
try to sidetrack Nehemiah from his
God-given assignment. Even a false
prophet arises to lead Nehemiah
into a potentially fatal trap – only
to have his plan foiled by Nehemiah’s
keen discernment. In spite of deceit,
espionage & attempted assassinatn,
Nehemiah and his dedicated brick-
layers complete the city walls in under
two months – a feat even Israel’s
enemies perceive is “wrought of God.”
As governor, Nehemiah also organises
the leadership in the newly built city.
Lord, we’ll Complete Your Assignment:
Then Sanballat sent his assistant…
(with) letter: It is reported… that you
and the Jews are plotting to revolt,
and therefore you are building the wall.
Moreover, according to these reports
you are about to become their king…
I sent him this reply: Nothing like what
you are saying is happening; you are
just making it up… They are all trying
to frighten us, thinking: Their hands
will get too weak for the work, and
it will not be completed (Neh 6:5-9)
After the wall had been rebuilt and
I had set the doors in place, the
gatekeepers & Levites were apptd.
I put in charge of Jerusalem my
brother Hanani along with Hananiah
the commander of the citadel
because he was a man of integrity
and feared God more than most
men do… Also appoint residents
of Jerusalem as guards (Neh 7:1-3)
Nehemiah demonstrated excellent
leadership. He was spiritually ready
to heed God’s call. He also used
careful planning, courage and
perseverance to get the work done.
For positive expectations are never
a substitute for doing difficult work.
Lord, we will Stand Firm to Do Right;
and we will Fulfil Your Assignment.
In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.
Lord, we pray that our church
leaders will be equally committed
to doing what is right in God’s eyes.
Grant us Lord grace to listen to Your
instructions and to carry them out.
Pray that whatever distractions
and challenges may come, we will
concentrate on the work God has
called us to do. And strengthen
Lord our hearts and hands. Amen.
Lord, we recognise that correctly
assessing people’s gifts, reliability
& character is essential of leadership.
And that integrity and fear of
God are the key character traits.
For people of integrity can be trusted
to carry out their work; and God-
fearing people can be expected to
do so in line with God’s priorities.
Grant us Lord the passion to serve
and to complete all that God has
entrusted to us. In Jesus’ name.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tSZmocnNR0