Nehemiah 2:6-10
As we continue to look through the story of Nehemiah, we see an interesting section here today. Nehemiah was greatly troubled about what was happening with Jerusalem and wanted to help. We see that he first responded with sorrow but also prayer. Next, we see him before the king and asking that he would grant him the time and passage to go and rebuild the walls. It was exciting that the king would grant Nehemiah this request, but we also see Nehemiah begin to prepare for some pushback that would come along the way. He asks that the king would also write letters to some of the governors of the Trans-Euphrates so that he would have safety and the supplies needed to complete this rebuild. Nehemiah was granted his request again and was even sent with some army officers and cavalry. This section ends with the upcoming resistance that Nehemiah will face. There are some who are upset and angered that someone would come to seek the welfare of the Israelites. We will see some of the opposition that Nehemiah will face, but also note that Nehemiah was aware of the potential pushback that he would face for caring for Israel and doing what God wanted him to do.
In our lives, it is the same. We have to know and realize that we will face pushback for following the Lord. It is not an if, but it is more of a when. When we look throughout scripture, we see over and over that those who follow the Lord face great opposition. Even Jesus Himself was greatly opposed, even to the point of death. If the very one that we follow with our lives faced this, don’t you think that we will endure some of that same opposition? It would only make sense. We cannot take the “easy” way out of it. Following Christ requires full devotion, no matter what might happen. There will always be others who will oppose us because we follow Jesus. Don’t let that discourage you, but rather let it encourage you. If you faced zero opposition for following Christ, are you really following Him? Let us look throughout scripture and see that everyone who followed the Lord faced opposition in some way, but they trusted in Him in it. They knew that our God is one who is there for us and has endured the same and worse opposition. Don’t let the pushback surprise you; they persecuted Jesus and the apostles as well. Be prepared for it. Study His Word and know it well. Trust in the Lord in all circumstances. Follow Him above all. Tell the world about the salvation and love that is found in Him. Do not worry, heaven is our reward.
As we continue to look through the story of Nehemiah, we see an interesting section here today. Nehemiah was greatly troubled about what was happening with Jerusalem and wanted to help. We see that he first responded with sorrow but also prayer. Next, we see him before the king and asking that he would grant him the time and passage to go and rebuild the walls. It was exciting that the king would grant Nehemiah this request, but we also see Nehemiah begin to prepare for some pushback that would come along the way. He asks that the king would also write letters to some of the governors of the Trans-Euphrates so that he would have safety and the supplies needed to complete this rebuild. Nehemiah was granted his request again and was even sent with some army officers and cavalry. This section ends with the upcoming resistance that Nehemiah will face. There are some who are upset and angered that someone would come to seek the welfare of the Israelites. We will see some of the opposition that Nehemiah will face, but also note that Nehemiah was aware of the potential pushback that he would face for caring for Israel and doing what God wanted him to do.
In our lives, it is the same. We have to know and realize that we will face pushback for following the Lord. It is not an if, but it is more of a when. When we look throughout scripture, we see over and over that those who follow the Lord face great opposition. Even Jesus Himself was greatly opposed, even to the point of death. If the very one that we follow with our lives faced this, don’t you think that we will endure some of that same opposition? It would only make sense. We cannot take the “easy” way out of it. Following Christ requires full devotion, no matter what might happen. There will always be others who will oppose us because we follow Jesus. Don’t let that discourage you, but rather let it encourage you. If you faced zero opposition for following Christ, are you really following Him? Let us look throughout scripture and see that everyone who followed the Lord faced opposition in some way, but they trusted in Him in it. They knew that our God is one who is there for us and has endured the same and worse opposition. Don’t let the pushback surprise you; they persecuted Jesus and the apostles as well. Be prepared for it. Study His Word and know it well. Trust in the Lord in all circumstances. Follow Him above all. Tell the world about the salvation and love that is found in Him. Do not worry, heaven is our reward.
Posted in Devotional