Providing supplies, the King sent Neh on his way with more than he asked. His testimony of God's faithfulness spurred him on into a mission that spoke to his heart. Neh ventures to Jerusalem, and in wisdom momentarily keeps to himself his big idea given by God.
Upon arrival, Neh assesses the damage that has been done, the holes, burns, and give aways of the wall. Although God had put specific instruction "in his heart" (2:12), Neh did not act abruptly. He acted in obedience by acting wisely before God.
There was a process that needed to take place. How could he rebuild a wall if he did not know where it was broken? How can we receive healing if we don't first become familiar with where we are broken?
If Neh didn't examine the prior state of the wall, he could not properly construct a new and improved version. Don't we receive a diagnosis at the doctor's office before we are prescribed a treatment plan? I imagine another benefit would serve him as well... His familiarity with the old would prove the transformation ever more beautiful to him.
After Neh took the steps needed to begin the process of rebuilding what was broken, he shared his vision and his process with the people around him.
"Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace." I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and about what the king has said to me.they replied, "Let us start rebuilding." So they began this good work. (emph mine- 2:17-18)
The people heard the good news of restoration, and they wanted it! They stepped up and signed up to be apart of what was happening! But more importantly, they started.
Listen Love, that first brick you are laying in your process may not look like much, but it is a beginning! Whatever your mission is: to heal, to grow, to be obedient... that first brick means something. It lays a foundation for what is to come, another brick!! And another, and another! A wall starts with ONE BRICK. Much like...becoming whole again starts with one choice.
AS SOON as their heart beat agreed with a "yes," their enemies came against them. Not in a rage, but in doubt and accusation.
"But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab heard about it, they mocked and ridiculed us. "What is this you are doing? They asked " Are you rebelling against the king?" - Chapter 2:19
Do not be alarmed by that doubtful voice that assaults and accuses you upon the beginning of a mission; expect it! When God plants good seeds in us, the enemy seeks to snatch them up before they begin to grow! Look how Neh responds in the face of mockery:
"The God of heaven will give us success." 2:20 (emph mine)
WILL GIVE us success. He was confident of what God has spoken to him, and that is how he approached his opposition! God will not call us to embark on something that will not bring Him glory! His glory IS our success, sweet one! He has made us whole in himself, and new through Jesus! When His glory is our goal, we cannot lose because we agree with Him. We are protected by His promise. We can step in confidence, and He calls us to do that:
"being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." - Philippians 1:6
He will not stop this work. Are we willing to lay the next brick with him?
Let's start today!
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