pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: oppose


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Confident and Trusting

Readings: Nehemiah 1, Nehemiah 2, Nehemiah 3, Nehemiah 4

Nehemiah 4:14 – “Don’t be afraid of them! Remember that the LORD is great and awesome! Fight for your families… sons… daughters… wives… houses!”

Nehemiah is the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes. He lives a comfortable life in the palace of the Persian king. One day some Jews returning from Jerusalem bring him news from Judah: “The captives are in great trouble and shame.” Moved by his God, Nehemiah fasts, weeps, and prays for days. Returning to work, he is still visibly upset. The king notices and inquires. In the end, Nehemiah heads to Jerusalem with letters of protection and support from the king.

The local officials are unhappy that he has arrived to rebuild Jerusalem. After rest, he secretly inspects the walls and gates at night. Gathering the Jewish leaders he basically says, ‘We’re in trouble.’ He calls them to rebuild and they respond enthusiastically. Chapter 3 contains a long list of the families that took part. The team effort and sense of connection is evident. It is based upon their identity found in God.

Sanballat and Tobiah and others oppose the work. Making fun of them turns to insulting them and then it becomes a plan to attack the Jews. News of this comes to Nehemiah and he responds by organizing the workers into family groups. He gives them this encouragement: “Don’t be afraid of them! Remember that the LORD is great and awesome! Fight for your families… sons… daughters… wives… houses!” Half the men work while half stand guard, weapons in hand. The people stay in Jerusalem overnight instead of going back home, thwarting an attack at night. Work continues to progress.

Nehemiah leads well, trusting in the God who stirred his heart to go to rebuild his ancestral home. When God or the Spirit or the Word stirs our heart, may we be as confident and trusting in the Lord.

Prayer: Lord God, what a sure faith Nehemiah had. He heard and responded and was then guided by you. Give us ears to hear, O Lord. Open our hearts to respond. Encourage our faith as we seek to serve you. Bless the work. Amen.


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Holy Spirit Power

Reading: Matthew 10:16-23

Verses 19-20: “When they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it… for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”

As we continue today with the story of Jesus sending out the disciples, Jesus addresses the difficulty of the journey and the help we receive along the way. In today’s text we see one of the qualities of Jesus that I find most refreshing: honesty. Our section today begins with these words: “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves.” Oh boy coach, sign me up, right?!

The 12 disciples knew and lived this difficulty out. As a whole, the Jewish religious leaders were never supporters of Jesus and as his 3 years of ministry went on they became more and more adversarial in their relationship with Jesus. Jesus wanted the disciples to know that this would continue as they went out now and as they continued the mission after his death, resurrection, and ascension. The idea that people and powers will oppose the faith is still very much a reality today.

Into this honest assessment of discipleship Jesus offers this hope and promise: “When they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it… for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” Not “if” but “when” they oppose, persecute, arrest, abuse… God in Spirit will be there, giving you words to speak. This is a powerful promise. As we seek to be followers of Christ in a post-Christian landscape, may we be faithful to our call and may we ever trust in the power of the Holy Spirit to lead and guide our every step and our every word.

Prayer: Lord God, give me the courage to seek out the lonely, to stand up for the oppressed and marginalized, to speak against injustice and evil. Fill me with your Holy Spirit power. May it guide all of my words and deeds. Amen.