Monday, August 12, 2013

The Battle Within

Nehemiah 5:6-7
When I heard their outcry and these charges, I was very angry.  I pondered them in my mind and then accused the nobles and officials. I told them, “You are charging your own people interest!” So I called together a large meeting to deal with them.

A friend recently organized a very beautiful wedding event and we’re one of those tapped to help out. Peeking at their line of guests and suppliers, I can really say it was one of those extravagant ones. Sadly though, their dream of having the perfect beach-like theme was drenched in rain. I can imagine everyone’s concern over the bridal gown, and the cocktails, and the photoshoots. The frowning of the newlyweds was expected. But only a few knew it was more than the weather hit. For what could be worse than realizing too late that they shouldn’t be married at all.  And they’re not just having those cold feet.

After Nehemiah’s victory over the opposition in Chapter 4, he was very hopeful that the wall rebuilding would progress even more. For if they could reach half its height amidst threats, imagine what they can accomplish in peace.  But what hit them was far harder than the stones thrown at them from outside. The opening verses noted how the storm crept in from within. The long and short of it was that the rich Jews were exacting usury from their poor brothers to the point of enslaving their children.  It angered Nehemiah because the sin not only trespassed God’s law against oppression but it also kept the work from being accomplished. What he did next was admirable. Instead of blurting it out, he stepped back and pondered. Other versions say: he consulted with himself, thinking it over carefully. He himself used the method of working it out from within.  And because God was on his side, nothing can stand against him.

Bringing it home, I was reminded of two things. First, the enemy’s scheme is to hit us hard from within. We can be as successful as King David, as spiritually mature as Elijah, as godly as Job, but in one click, we can fall into grave sin, succumb to despair, even lose the ones we hold dear.  It’s a scary thought. But not impassable. Second is the truth of God‘s power within us. If we belong to Him, the Spirit of God who raised Jesus from the dead (imagine that power!), lives in us. No death nor life, nor any power, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from His love. Faith may be our only shield to a thousand enemy schemes, but it sure can extinguish all arrows. The enemy knows that. We should too and be alert and be in prayer for all of the Lord's people.
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The Battle Within

Nehemiah 5:6-7
When I heard their outcry and these charges, I was very angry.  I pondered them in my mind and then accused the nobles and officials. I told them, “You are charging your own people interest!” So I called together a large meeting to deal with them.

A friend recently organized a very beautiful wedding event and we’re one of those tapped to help out. Peeking at their line of guests and suppliers, I can really say it was one of those extravagant ones. Sadly though, their dream of having the perfect beach-like theme was drenched in rain. I can imagine everyone’s concern over the bridal gown, and the cocktails, and the photoshoots. The frowning of the newlyweds was expected. But only a few knew it was more than the weather hit. For what could be worse than realizing too late that they shouldn’t be married at all.  And they’re not just having those cold feet.

After Nehemiah’s victory over the opposition in Chapter 4, he was very hopeful that the wall rebuilding would progress even more. For if they could reach half its height amidst threats, imagine what they can accomplish in peace.  But what hit them was far harder than the stones thrown at them from outside. The opening verses noted how the storm crept in from within. The long and short of it was that the rich Jews were exacting usury from their poor brothers to the point of enslaving their children.  It angered Nehemiah because the sin not only trespassed God’s law against oppression but it also kept the work from being accomplished. What he did next was admirable. Instead of blurting it out, he stepped back and pondered. Other versions say: he consulted with himself, thinking it over carefully. He himself used the method of working it out from within.  And because God was on his side, nothing can stand against him.

Bringing it home, I was reminded of two things. First, the enemy’s scheme is to hit us hard from within. We can be as successful as King David, as spiritually mature as Elijah, as godly as Job, but in one click, we can fall into grave sin, succumb to despair, even lose the ones we hold dear.  It’s a scary thought. But not impassable. Second is the truth of God‘s power within us. If we belong to Him, the Spirit of God who raised Jesus from the dead (imagine that power!), lives in us. No death nor life, nor any power, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from His love. Faith may be our only shield to a thousand enemy schemes, but it sure can extinguish all arrows. The enemy knows that. We should too and be alert and be in prayer for all of the Lord's people.