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Context No. 4020 of 4322 · Nehemiah

Context · Reflection

Nehemiah 6:15-19: in context

15So the wall was finished in the twenty-fifth day of Elul, in fifty-two days. 16When all our enemies heard of it, all the nations that were around us were afraid, and they lost their confidence; for they perceived that this work was done by our God. 17Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters to Tobiah, and Tobiah’s letters came to them. 18For there were many in Judah sworn to him because he was the son-in-law of Shecaniah the son of Arah; and his son Jehohanan had taken the daughter of Meshullam the son of Berechiah as wife. 19Also they spoke of his good deeds before me, and reported my words to him. Tobiah sent letters to put me in fear.

Against relentless opposition, the wall of Jerusalem is finished, in just fifty-two days. And the reaction of the enemies is telling: they were afraid and fell greatly in their own esteem, for they perceived that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God. Even the opponents could see that the swift completion of the wall was no mere human achievement; God's hand was in it.

Two things are worth noticing. The finished work testified to God. The rapid completion of a task that had seemed impossible, in the face of constant threats and discouragement, pointed beyond the workers to the God who enabled it; even enemies recognized his hand. And the opposition did not simply stop; even after the wall was done, the letters of intimidation kept coming. Finishing the work did not end the opposition, but it did not need to; the work was done. When God enables us to complete a good and difficult work, its very accomplishment can testify to his hand, and though opposition may continue, perseverance, with God's help, finishes the task.

When God calls me to a difficult work, do I persevere through opposition to finish it, trusting that its very completion can testify to God's hand and speak for itself, whatever the opponents continue to say?

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