Nehemiah 6:3, “And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?”
Jerusalem, the city, had been totally destroyed in 586 BC by the
Babylonians, under the command of king Nebuchadnezzar. God punished Israel
for their continued rebellion against God. God chose for Nehemiah the
prophet (445-432 BC) to rebuild Jerusalem.
While Nehemiah was building, his enemies plotted to hinder the work by inviting him to a meeting, getting him sidetracked with other activates and business. Nehemiah 6:4 says his enemies tried 4 times to sidetrack Nehemiah, but Nehemiah knew what they were up to and kept building...
Nehemiah 6:3, “And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?”
I love what Nehemiah said... I AM DOING A GREAT WORK! Amen and amen! Nehemiah said, why should I stop the work and waste time debating and arguing with you?
This is a precious truth tucked away in the Old Testament. So easily we get sidetracked by all the trifle and mundane things in life, just as Luke 8:14 says (choked by the cares, riches and pleasures of this world), and we never bring forth any fruit to perfection, i.e., souls saved and lives changed for Jesus Christ!
Psalm 126:5-6, “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.”
The Bible tells us to go forth, weeping, bearing precious Seed (the Word of God is that Seed, 1st Peter 1:23). This Scripture passage teaches soul-winning, i.e., preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ to lost sinners...
Romans 10:15, “And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!”
There is no greater work than soul-winning. Don't let the Devil get you side-tracked with all of life's troubles, or pleasures, or hobbies. It's ok to enjoy life, but don't let that become an end in itself. God created all things, including humanity, to please Him (Revelation 4:11). Praise God for His love, truth and mercy!
If we must fight, then let us fight with a sword in one hand; and a trowel to build in the other hand. Let us never stop serving God, earnestly contending for the Biblical faith (Jude 1:3), defending the Doctrine of Christ (2nd John 1:9), refuting all works of darkness (Ephesians 5:11), sharply rebuking false prophets (Titus 1:13), identifying those who cause doctrinal corruption in the Church (Romans 16:17), and winning souls to Jesus Christ, the Son of God (Proverb 11:30).
Don't stop soul-winning! Don't stop your Sunday School class! Don't stop reaching out to “the least of these My brethren” Jesus said (Matthew 25:40,45). Hang in there for God! Don't allow the Devil to cause you to turn aside from your work for the Lord. 1st Corinthians 3:7-9 teaches that we are all laborers together with the Lord. There is much work to do. Many souls are walking in darkness and need the Light of the Word of God (Psalm 119:105). Acts 26:18, “To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.” Hallelujah!
Every time your enemies attack you, remember that Jesus said it's really the Devil (Ephesians 2:2; 6:12). Our fight is against old smut face himself, the Devil. The best weapon we have is the Sword of God's Word. And the Bible is a powerful weapon (Hebrews 4:12). The most powerful weapon in this universe in fact. It was by God's Word that the universe was created (2nd Peter 3:5; John 1:1-3,14). And keep in mind that Satan fears the weakest saint who gets down on his or her knees to pray to God.
I love Proverb 21:2, “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.” God is paying attention continually to what is going on in our hearts. God cares (1st Peter 5:7). Life is a big test (James 1:3).
Keep building like Nehemiah did! Don't get distracted! Don't let the Devil talk you into taking that career, at the expense of spending time with your family. Don't let the Devil buy you off! Do as Nehemiah and keep building.
Nehemiah said, I AM DOING A GREAT WORK! And so are you if you are a soul-winner (John 15:1-7; Luke 8:15). God called the soul-winner's feet “beautiful.” Why didn't God call the mouth beautiful, or the tongue? Why the feet? It's because the most eloquent words mean absolutely nothing if those words never leave your home or church. It matters not if you are a theologian overflowing with knowledge if that truth never falls upon hungry minds, hurting hearts, and lost souls.
Most churches should hang a sign outside which reads, “Us 4 and no more,” because most churches are cold, unfriendly and never reach out to the local community with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Everyone in your community should know that there's a church that loves them, believes abortion is murder, preaches against homosexuality, loves sinners, believes the Bible, and welcomes even the worst sinner. You had better hope they welcome big sinners, or else we won't be allowed in. Every New Testament Church should be a beacon of hope, a lighthouse in the neighborhood.
May we all keep building as Nehemiah did, and not allow ourselves to be sidetracked from serving God faithfully. I cannot come down Nehemiah said, for...
