Part 5: Catalyze Change and Expect Opposition
In reading the account of Nehemiah, it’s pretty clear that he knew this wasn’t going to be easy. He knew it would be difficult getting permission from the king. Nehemiah knew that people of Jerusalem and the city itself were in bad shape, and he also figured out pretty quickly that he would face opposition. When the officials surrounding Jerusalem “heard that someone had come to pursue the prosperity of the Israelites, they were greatly displeased” (2:10, CSB).
As Nehemiah began to catalyze the people to make changes by rebuilding the wall, the opposition began to voice its displeasure, “When Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab heard about this, they mocked and despised us, and said, ‘What is this you’re doing? Are you rebelling against the king?'” (2:19, CSB). First, they make false accusations. Then, as the rebuilding begins, they plot to act on their displeasure in chapters four and six. How does Nehemiah respond? He prays. And when necessary, he responds to their accusations simply. He does not engage in debate or long conversation. Nehemiah let’s God fight the battle for the people. Read More
Related Articles
Kick-Starting the Plateaued and Declining Church
Kick-Starting the Plateaued & Declining Church: Part 2
Kick-Starting the Plateaued and Declining Church: Part 3
Kick-Starting the Plateaued and Declining Church: Part 4
No comments:
Post a Comment