Tag: Nehemiah

How Happy Are You?

Carl Pollard

Are you happy? On a daily basis, how do you usually feel? Anxious, tired, drained, sad, joyful? I was reading a report done on overall happiness and joy here in the US. The past four years it hit an all time low. Do you know what year Americans were happiest? Studies have shown that in 1957, people were by and large much happier than today and really at any point in US history. Why 1957? That year the average house at the time was a third of the size we live in today. The average salary was less than 4,000 a year. Life expectancy was 69 years. So why is it that even though homes were smaller, salaries were so modest, and life expectancy was 10 years shorter than today, people by and large much happier than today?

Maybe it’s because joy has never and will never be attached to physical possessions. We are losing our joy at an astounding rate. Even in the church, where we claim to have access to the peace of God and eternal life, joy can be far too elusive.

In Nehemiah 8:10, Nehemiah the Governor of Judah has just finished leading the Israelites in building the new wall around Jerusalem. They have returned from captivity and have what seems like a fresh start. One of the ways they show their gratitude was by gathering together to have Ezra read the books of Moses to them.

Nehemiah is doing some of the greatest work he could possibly choose to do. He used to be a cupbearer, but now he is leading the Israelites back to a relationship with God. After the reading of Scripture, notice what Nehemiah says, “Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Why this reminder to the people? Because God’s people NEED joy! One of Satan’s first lines of attack to weaken our efforts in serving God is to take our joy. Psalm 16:11 reminds us where joy is found: “you will show me the path of life: in your presence is fulness of joy; at your right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”

I agree with the psalmist and I can confidently say joy is found in the presence of God! He has used His word, and time spent in prayer to give me encouragement and strength.

With Thanksgiving today, be especially thankful for the joy that comes from being a child of God!

Are You In The Plains Of Ono?

Neal Pollard

Valleys are often associated with dismal times, heartaches, and loss. We think mostly of the “valley of the shadow of death.” That name rings with finality. Valleys often represent low times and sorrow.
Nehemiah 6 relates the story of the valley Ono. The enemies of Israel– Sanballet, Tobiah, and Geshem– can represent the beguiling devil. Nehemiah and the Israelites can represent the Christian and his duties. Let us notice some things represented by the plains of Ono.
The Valley Of Entrapment (Nehemiah 6:1-2). The three enemies were bullies. They tried hard to trick Nehemiah into the valley where they could mischievously undo him. Today, Satan tempts us to gather at the lake instead of gathering with the saints in worship where we can drink together of the water of life. Or, he tempts us to stay at home rather than visit the sick and wayward. Do not be trapped! Solomon said, “there shall no evil happen to the just; but the wicked shall be filled with mischief” (Proverbs 12:21).
The Valley Of Scorn (Nehemiah 6:3). The enemies of God did not think the work of Nehemiah was very important (verse 4). Today, God’s enemy tells us that “church work” is not a valuable
use of time. Thanks be unto God for ministers, Bible school teachers, missionaries, faithful Christians, and spiritual leaders who refuse to fall into this valley of scorn. God resists the scorners, but gives grace to the humble (Proverbs 3:34).
The Valley Of Deceit (Nehemiah 6:7-12). If Nehemiah would have gone into this valley, he would have lost his courage and godly influence. “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for
whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7). Do not let any one deceive you into a valley of worldliness and poor choices.
Prayer, Bible study, and general faithfulness will keep us out of these valleys. Through encouragement and active love, we can help pull others from these valleys and prevent others from plunging into them. By striving to remain on the spiritual peak of fidelity to God, we, like Nehemiah, will overcome the wiles of the wicked (cf. Nehemiah 6:16)!

The Restorers

Neal Pollard

You can credit (or blame) a 16th-Century French scholar, printer, and typographer named Robert Etienne for our modern division of the Bible into individual verses. He’s sometimes known by his Latin name, Robert Stephanus. Overall, he did an incredibly commendable job. Sometimes his divisions are head-scratching, like in Ezra 2. This chapter has 70 verses, as he gives each family of the returning exiles their own verse. I’m not sure there is a better way to divide it, though. So, who are these people, that whole assembly of returnees numbering 42,360 plus 7,337 servants and 200 singers? 

They were people willing to endure difficulty. The journey itself would have been over 1000 miles. They leave the comfort and prosperity of Babylon to resettle their native homeland. They will have to rebuild or at least remodel houses and whole villages, not to mention rebuild the temple and the walls around the city of Jerusalem. These were not lazy people!

They were led people (2). Ezra tells us who the leaders were by name. The first three named are among the most prominent leaders in the post-exilic period. Zerubbabel (cf. Zech. 4; Neh. 7,12) not only helps lead the exiles back to the land, he leads the temple reconstruction project (5:2). He insures that the work is done by the Jewish people, and not by their enemies (4:1-3). He is identified as governor of Judah (Hag. 1-2). Jeshua is usually found alongside Zerubbabel (4:3). He is identified in the books of Ezra, Nehemiah, Haggai and Zechariah as the High Priest. Nehemiah, for whom the Old Testament book is named, will also serve as governor of Judah, was likely a prophet, and previously served as a high official in Persian court (Neh. 1). Eleven men in all are listed as the leaders who shepherd the exiles back to the land. They appear to be highly qualified men, perseverant in their own right. 

They were purposed people (3-67). Ezra divides his list into categories. Many are generally listed as men at the heads of certain families (“sons of…,” 3-35), priests (36-39), Levites (40), singers (41), gatekeepers (42), temple servants (43-54), “Solomon’s servants” (55-57, probably descendants of those selected by Solomon to work on the temple), and several whose genealogical record was unverified (58-63). Who was more important? That is entirely the wrong question! Each group had a purpose, and God and His leaders were depending on them to fulfill it! Verse 70 lists all these groups, who dwelled in their cities and squared up to their tasks.

They were generous people (68-69). Well, not all of them, but certainly “Some of the heads of fathers’ households, when they arrived at the house of the Lord which is in Jerusalem, offered willingly for the house of God to restore it on its foundation” (68). They gave according to their ability (69). Through them, God continues to provide for the future of His people.

As we consider the great, ongoing work of restoration, God is seeking the same things from us: perseverance, submission, purpose, and generosity. He will do great things, even in the midst of shambles and dysfunction, when there are people possessed of qualities like these. We will see that longterm projects will have hiccups and stalls, but a huge step occurs when people are willing to step out by faith. 

Learning Leadership At The Wall

Monday’s Column: Neal At The Cross

Neal Pollard

I do not agree with the statement, “The church is only as strong as its weakest member.”  Too many churches have grown despite a few weak members.  However, I do believe that the church is only as strong as its leadership.  

It is not a new trend in our society or in the church—it has always been difficult to convince people to be leaders.  Moses, Joshua, Gideon, Saul, Jeremiah, Jonah, and Peter are just a few men in the days of the Bible who hesitated, even resisted, when called by God to lead.  Leadership has many built-in frustrations—one’s own limitations, the limitations of others, the limits of time, criticism, under-appreciation, feelings of isolation, miscommunication, and added responsibility.  It is a popular pastime of many to criticize the leadership, but if the job were so easy why is there a shortage of leaders?!

Nehemiah stresses the importance of strong leadership throughout the book.  Notice what the Holy Spirit, through this noble and competent leader, reveals about good leadership:

  • Good leaders have a heart of compassion (1:1-4)
  • Good leaders have a strong prayer life (1:5-11)–see 1:5; 2:4; 4:4-9;5:19; 9:17; ch. 13
  • Good leaders have a proven record of leadership (1:11)
  • Good leaders are courageous (2:2-3)
  • Good leaders plan the work well (2:7-9)
  • Good leaders communicate (2:17-18)
  • Good leaders are positive (2:20)
  • Good leaders successfully handle complaints and criticisms (4:7-8; 5:1-6)
  • Good leaders are watchful (4:21-23)
  • Good leaders know there is a place for rebuke (5:7-13)
  • Good leaders are no strangers to sacrifice (5:14-18)
  • Good leaders fear God (5:15)
  • Good leaders are hospitable (5:17)
  • Good leaders encourage the hurting (5:15; 8:9-12)
  • Good leaders avoid distraction (6:2)
  • Good leaders correct misinformation (6:8)
  • Good leaders follow through and aim for completion (6:16)

We can measure Nehemiah’s good leadership through the speed and success of his initial task or the sustained leadership he provided for the next twelve years as governor of Judah. We can measure it by the gentleness he showed the hurting and needy, or by the conviction he showed in correcting the immoral and unethical. There was even his ability to work through problems with his brethren and with the enemy. Nehemiah provided balanced leadership, guided by God and submissive to His plans. That’s what is required of great leadership today!

What To Expect When You Build 

Neal Pollard

The old saying, “The more things change, the more they stay the same,” seems applicable to time, place, and action. Though the rebuilding of the wall around Jerusalem in Nehemiah’s day stretches back 2500 years and occurred in a totally different culture about 7000 miles from here, it is amazing how what they faced and how they faced it is similar to our world and work right now. What can we learn from the physical building of Nehemiah to help in our spiritual building in the church today? Let’s look at Nehemiah four for the answers.

  • There will be opposition. Then, the opposition was from unbelievers who are introduced to us as those who “mocked and despised” (2:19). They will be driven by emotion (4:1,7). They will actively work to undermine and upset the work (4:8). They will actively work through verbal assault (4:2-3). They will succeed in striking fear in the hearts of some of God’s workers (4:11ff). If we can settle it in our hearts that the devil will never be satisfied until he defeats every faithful work for God, we will expect opposition to exist. The key is not to put the focus on the opposition.
  • There must be devotion. Nehemiah, who narrates much of this Bible book, shows us how you defeat opposition. You depend on God through prayer (4:4-5,8). You trust that God is at work in answer to prayer (4:15,20). You keep the focus on His power (4:14). If we can remind ourselves that “our [great and awesome] God will fight for us,” we can keep going through the most frustrating failures along the way.
  • There must be direction. Someone has to lead people to focus on God rather than His enemies. Nehemiah exemplifies godly leadership. As noted, he led the people to rely on God when doing His work. Notice that he also communicated to the leaders and workers (4:14). He reminded them of their motivation (4:14) and gave them a tangible plan (4:19-20). He also led by example (4:21-23), rolling up his sleeves along with the rest of the people. Such servant-leaders inspire and encourage success.
  • There must be action. Though their success ultimately came about because of God’s power, this did not nullify their need to work. They built because “the people had a mind to work” (4:6). The late Wendell Winkler was known to say, “Programs don’t work. People do!” Walk through Nehemiah four and observe the action verbs. You see them “each one to his work” (15), “carrying on the work” (16, 21), and “doing the work” (17). So it is today.

These were ordinary folks. They faced fear, doubt, and discouragement. They had limitations. But they “built the wall” (4:6). In other words, they succeeded in the task God gave them to do. We are not inferior to them in any way unless it is in execution. We have opposition. We can defeat it with proper devotion, direction, and action. The work God has given us in His church today must be done, but it can be done! Let’s do more than believe that. Let’s embody it!

New Horizons humanitarian assistance in Haiti

What “We” Do To Achieve Spiritual Success

Neal Pollard

It is an unmistakable emphasis in the book of Nehemiah. The word “we” appears 38 times in 30 of the book’s 406 verses! Working together was the continuous mindset of Judah. They knew such a mentality would ensure success (2:20).

Teamwork accomplishes much more than individual performance! If a ball team has only one “star player,” the defense wins by shutting down the one performer. If the work of the church is carried on by only one or a select few, the devil has a better chance of shutting it down. Everyone must get invested! Success hinges on it. Notice where cooperation in the local church brings spiritual success.

When we build (4:6). Not church buildings, but relationships, knowledge, and commitment. A church has never grown on the back of massive, modern facilities. But, God wants us to build up His church (1 Th. 5:11). The more visits and calls each member makes, the better we build. The more encouragement and assistance we provide, the better we build. More Christians doing more for the Lord produce spiritual success in the church.

When we pray (4:9). Facing trouble and uncertainty, God’s people came together to pray. This is reminiscent of the prayer meeting in the home of John Mark’s mother, “where many were gathered together and were praying” (Acts 12:12). What a success that was! At least 3000 or so were devoting themselves to prayer at the Jerusalem church (Acts 2:42). Preachers, teachers, and missionaries are made bold, the sick and hurting are made hopeful, those in danger, travelers, and those confused are made calm by the prayer of the saints. That is vital to spiritual success!

When we carry on (4:21). Churches encounter setbacks and suffer defeats. Willful sinners going out from among us (1 Jn. 2:19), plans or programs that fizzle or die, disorderly members (2 Th. 3:6), false teachers (1 Pe. 2:1), apathetic members (John 15:5-6), the death or loss of a church leader, or general discouragement can tempt us to give up in our labors (cf. Gal. 6:9). We need each other to spur ourselves on in completing the important works that will glorify God. It is not how many defeats a church suffers, but how well a church, no matter how many “losses,” overcomes them.

When we give (5:12; 10:37). Two interesting instances of giving are recorded in the book of Nehemiah: (1) Giving to restore what was rightfully God’s (5:12), and (2) giving the manner that God rightfully expects (10:37). Church members who will spend generously on dinner and a movie but who give the Savior of their souls comparative pocket change, like Zaccheus, need to repent by restoring what rightfully belongs to God (Luke 19:8). Churches that give by faith and sacrifice are always stronger for it, if their living matches their giving. God wants to be “first” (10:37; Mat. 6:33), and that applies to our giving.

Certainly, many other elements are needed to help a church achieve spiritual success for God. But, Nehemiah and his brethren found success by working together. That spirit of unity will help us, as a church, to go forward and do things necessary for us to continue to be a great church! Let’s grow together!

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THE TACTICS OF TROUBLEMAKERS

Neal Pollard

When you come across Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab, and the unnamed others of Nehemiah six, you can’t help but be struck by how timeless some things are.  The book of Nehemiah recounts the great construction project led one of the Bible’s great leaders, Nehemiah.  In fact, this Bible book is a great instruction manual on great traits of leadership.  Despite his skill, though, Nehemiah faced several obstacles.  He had overcome poverty, internal strife, and discouragement, only to encounter the opposition of troublemakers at this stage of the work. Notice what they did and how great leaders respond to such tactics.

He faced insincerity (1-3,10-12).  The aforementioned men tried to pull Nehemiah away from wall-building under the guise of a “meeting.”  Yet, the text says they sought him harm.  Later, we see that these troublemakers have hired an associate of Nehemiah’s, who fabricates a story meant to frighten him.  Both times, Nehemiah saw through the deception.  His answer was to focus on the work, refusing to leave it to become trapped in their snare.  When we are engaged in great works for Christ, there will be those, either out of jealousy or their own heart problems, who don’t want it to succeed.  Perhaps even despite an air of piety or “righteous concern,” they are willing to twist the truth to undermine our work.  Like Nehemiah, we must refuse to leave the work to be dragged into unproductive distractions.

He faced insistence (4).  They sent this same message at least five times!  Imagine Nehemiah and the others, up on the wall, finishing the job as the troublemakers keep pestering them with the same mantra.  Look at what Nehemiah does.  He sticks to his guns.  What grit and determination!  We should know that troublemakers often have nothing better to do.  They aren’t working on their own “walls,” so they choose to do nothing better than try to tear down the walls of others.  We must be prepared to keep working, however much they pester.

He faced insinuation and invention (5-7).  This is a favorite weapon in the troublemaker’s arsenal. They used talebearing, slander, gossip, and the like to try and undermine the work.  You can imagine the sneaky, slithery way in which they did it, can’t you?  “It is reported.” “Gesham says.”  “We’re going to report you to the king.”  What Nehemiah did in response is such a lesson for us.  He didn’t wring his hands or spend a lot of time with counterarguments.  He had truth on his side and did not feel compelled to wallow in the mud with the mudslingers.  He knew he was doing right, and he simply told them so.

He faced intimidation (9).  God gives us insight into the motivation of the troublemakers. Nehemiah says, “They all were trying to make us afraid.”  Why these mean-minded men were so obsessed with halting the work is not exactly clear, but pride and self-importance seem to play a part.  Nehemiah counteracts their bullying by going way over their head! He took it to God, praying for strength to overcome their pressures and threats. Obviously, as we read, God answered Nehemiah’s noble prayer.  When we face such intimidation, we have access to the same power!  That’s the first place we should turn when bullied by troublemakers.

How incredible that something which happened 2500 years ago can be so relevant to us today.  The old adage attributed to Aristotle is true: “To avoid criticism say nothing, do nothing, be nothing.”  Well, for Christians trying to do God’s work today, “nothing” is not an option.  We must be ever at work building His kingdom.  Thus, expect trouble and troublemakers.  Then, look to Nehemiah for the strategy to overcome them!  It still works.