“After the wall had been rebuilt and I had set the doors in place, the gatekeepers, the musicians and the Levites were appointed. I put in charge of Jerusalem my brother Hanani, along with Hananiah the commander of the citadel, because he was a man of integrity and feared God more than most people do.”

Nehemiah 7:1-2

Last time we saw a postscript from Nehemiah about Tobiah’s influence in the rebuilding and some workers’ divided loyalties. Today we see how Nehemiah moved forward in his leadership.

“After…I had set the doors (deleth – gate, opening) in place, the gatekeepers, musicians, and Levites were appointed (paqad – entrusted, summoned).

We have talked about the musicians and Levites before when studying Ezra. The gatekeepers are piquing my interest today. According to one commentary, “the gatekeepers normally guarded the temple gates (1 Chronicles 9 & 26), but because of the danger in the city, they were appointed to stand guard at the city gates along with the singers and the Levites.”

So men whose job it ordinarily was to take care of, worship in, and guard the temple were, in Nehemiah’s day, entrusted with helping guard the city.

What do you think about this? How do you feel when responsibilities normally reserved for church spill over into civic action? No, we are not to pretend to be the nation state of Israel. And in many individual lives and communities faith and corresponding acts are inseparable. But I think more often it’s easier to live as if these are two distinct categories.

But this is all our Father’s world. And right is always right. No, we cannot care about everything, but please, let’s care about something outside of ourselves. Even outside of our particular thought group or denomination or preferences. We need each other.

“I put in charge (tsavah – to lay charge upon, ordain) of Jerusalem my brother Hanani…”

The NLT phrases it, “the responsibility of governing Jerusalem.”

And what a responsibility. Do you regularly pray for those with a charge put upon them to govern the people? Mind you, the question is not whether we agree with those who govern us, but whether we pray for them? If we think prayer makes no difference, we will quickly turn solely to the tangible. Oh, believers, we must pray.

The good news for Jerusalem’s government was Hanani was trustworthy. His name comes from chanan which means “gracious.”

And that’s what is needed, yes? Grace. Grace for us all. Those who govern and those who follow. Those who toe one party line and those who drift toward another. Everyone at a desk and anyone behind the wheel. May we be gracious to one another. We all need it.

“…along with Hananiah the commander of the citadel (birah – fortress)…”

The first governor listed was Nehemiah’s brother. The next was already in a position of leadership. Hananiah (whose name means “Yah has favored”) was the officer in charge of the temple fortress located on the Northwest corner of Jerusalem (source). He was an “official of great importance, being probably in command of troops for the purpose of keeping order in the city.” (source)

Fortress, troops, order. Those can be unnerving words. Until we read the next part:

“Because he was a man (ish) of faithfulness (emeth – truth, firmness, trust, stability, right).”

Hananiah was a man of integrity. Now we exhale.

How important stability and truthfulness are when dealing with matters of order in the city and command of troops. This is not a game. And people’s lives are at stake. The higher up, the more responsibility given, the more far-reaching the consequences. To whom much is given much will be required.

But perhaps the best reason to rest in Hananiah’s leadership is the final qualification listed:

“…and [he] feared God (yare Elohim) fully and more than most (rab – abundance, elder, exceedingly, multiply).”

What a spectacular thing to be said of someone. If we yare – have healthy fear and reverence for – Creator God, it leads to all sorts of positive consequences for those under our influence. And if our yare for God exceeds our yare for the approval of others, people can trust our hearts toward them all the more. Because we aren’t controlled by them, but by Him. And His ways are always good, just, loving and wise.

Of course, as common clay pots, even if we fear “more than most,” we will never fully be people of integrity or fear God perfectly. Fortunately there is One Who already fulfilled that description. So we can put down our comparison charts, and along with them, our anxiety. And simply love the people He’s put in front of us and join Him where He is at work.

Because no greater Man of integrity exists than the One Who finished it all.

Where will you be tomorrow morning? Perhaps Lakepoint’s Shortest Parade in Wichita?

Enjoy free hot dogs, live music, and plenty of community participation. It’s a blast!

Are you looking for fun, free (or cheap) July 4th activities? Wichita Moms Blog has you covered with a list of local and surrounding area events.

How about the Final Friday Art Crawl tomorrow night, June 29th?

Plenty of venues will be showcasing quality, local art, including Fairmount Coffee Co. featuring artwork from Ivy Neal Art, The Wayward Kind, The Plaid Bear Woodshop, and Prairie Fusion Art. And the Grand Opening of Mud Haus LLC  where you can view concrete work from 2DOGS Concrete Designs, LLC and sculptures from Craig Campbell.

The Great Plains Nature Center has given us a handy document of all the free and low-cost summer educational events they are offering. Don’t miss the weekly Creature Features, Nature Adventures, and Story Times.

Have you enjoyed Elderslie Farm yet? They offer a berry picking breakfast and a farm-to-table formal dining experience.

Have you checked out ICT Popup Park lately for your lunch or afternoon coffee?

The next Bradley Fair Jazz Concert is tonight, June 28th, from 7:30 – 9:30 and features The JT Project‘s saxophone/keyboard combo. Wine, cocktails and soft drinks will be available for purchase.

And for the kiddos, check out Saturday Storytime with Melissa at Watermark from 10:30-11:00 this Saturday, June 30th.

 

I hope you have a wonderful and safe weekend and July 4th celebration!

Beautiful and interesting read

Always a joy

Why is fresh produce so delightful?

Broken pot

Another winner

Friends sharing Laser Tag guns

Glory

Your 7 Days?

“Moreover, in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters to Tobiah, and Tobiah’s letters came to them. For many in Judah were bound by oath 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 his wife. Also they spoke of his good deeds in my presence and reported my words to him. And Tobiah sent letters to make me afraid.”

Nehemiah 6:17-19 ESV

Last time we got to see the result of all the rebuilders’ work: the wall was completed in 52 days and everyone surrounding Jerusalem knew God was the reason why. Today we see an almost aside in our story line of Tobiah’s influence during those 52 days.

“Many of the nobles…” The Hebrew for nobles is chor (properly, full) from the word charar (pure or white, from shining power of fire). We’ve seen this word noble before when looking at how the men of Tekoa jumped in to help with rebuilding the wall but their nobles would not.

While the Tekoite nobles refused to work, the leaders in Jerusalem did help rebuild – but were also sending letters to a man who had repeatedly tried to harm Nehemiah and sabotage the work.

So it seems as though, in multiple towns, those who were most required to act with dignity and lead the folk were doing just the opposite. Perhaps they had not experienced the definition of the root word for noble: charar – to burn.

It’s only when we’ve walked through the fire with the Goldsmith, allowing Him to begin the process of burning up what is not of His Spirit, that we will take up a mantle of leadership with integrity. Until then it is about us and our own interests. Servant leadership often is preceded by some scorching.

But no matter our personal experiences with the Goldsmith, if we have been put in a position of leadership – particularly civic leadership in which we help shape laws and regulations that affect others – may we have a healthy fear of God in how we lead. What we do to those under our influence we do to Him. How we affect image bearers matters to the Creator. Let’s be sober in how we flesh out our responsibilities.

Next in our verses we see the reason the nobles were communicating with Nehemiah’s enemy through letters: they were bound (baal – owner, married, master) by oath (shebuah – perjury, oath) to him. Two prominent leaders in the city of Jerusalem were related to Tobiah by marriage. First, Tobiah married Shecaniah’s daughter. We have seen Shecaniah before, back in the book of Ezra, as our reforming priest’s solitary grief at the state of the nation’s affairs becomes communal. Shecaniah was the one who spoke up and admitted the sin of the Jews.

And this Shecaniah (whose name means “Yah has taken up His abode”) was Tobiah’s father-in-law. Talk about divided loyalties. I think we don’t always understand the significance of family and oaths and blessings the way the ancient Jews did. To be bound by an oath in marriage was to unite two families in a way that does not make sense to those of us with an individualistic, Western mindset.

But let’s keep going. To top off Tobiah’s relational connection to Jerusalem, his son, Jehonahan, married the daughter of Meshullam, another influential leader in Jerusalem. Meshullam has shown up before in other verses as well, helping to rebuild the wall.

So, even though we may not be able to fully understand ancient eastern marriage and family ties, we do understand divided loyalties. To be bound by blood or oath to someone matters, if not traditionally then relationally. It is difficult to go against what someone you are related to is passionate about if, for example, it will make Thanksgiving dinner that much more tense. Or to publicly stand opposed to all that a relative holds dear will likely yield a resulting challenge.

But, friends, let me gently remind us our ultimate allegiance, the oath that matters most, is to One Who paid it all. We do not have to tie ourselves to lies or oppression or deceit even if we have relational ties to a person or family. When our main oath matters most He will give us discernment in navigating tricky relational waters. And making our allegiance to the Perfectly Faithful One primary helps make our secondary oaths to other humans that much more healthy.

The final part of our verse today spells out how the Jerusalem nobles were communicating with Tobiah: “they spoke of his good deeds (towb – beautiful) to me (paneh – before my face) and reported (yatsa – go out, come forth) my words to him.”

Or: they made sure Nehemiah knew all Tobiah’s beautiful deeds while at the same time reported everything Nehemiah said back to Tobiah.

“Tobiah’s friends and relatives acted as a Fifth Column. They attempted both to propagandize on behalf of Tobiah and to act as an intelligence system for him.” (source)

And meanwhile? “Tobiah sent letters to make me afraid.” It seems as though those letters would come across as eerily accurate to Nehemiah. Almost as if someone was reporting all Nehemiah’s thoughts and plans back to Tobiah. Which makes me want us to put ourselves in Nehemiah’s shoes for a minute.

Imagine you had been given the task of rebuilding a wall and a slew of people joined you in the work. However, you knew many of them had ties to people who were directly opposed to the work. And you had a sneaking suspicion they were using those ties to undermine the work. How would you feel? Grateful for their help rebuilding? Or betrayed at their ties? Or both?

Yeah, probably both. It’s interesting to me that this section is mentioned. I guess when all is said and done, it helps us look back on this historical and spiritually significant event with some human compassion.

Who of us hasn’t dealt with competing loyalties? When multiple people come together with as many opinions and experiences, there are bound to be disagreements. And when there is a project to be completed everyone will want a say in the “how.”

So it’s likely best to go back to the basics in those times. Which seems to be what Nehemiah chose to do. To focus on the mission, maintain personal integrity, and aim to unite the people.

How about us? We who know Jesus don’t build walls (hopefully), but there are plenty of bridges to build and tables to set. Can we focus on the main mission of loving Him and loving people, keeping our personal integrity in tact, and seeking our common humanity with others?

If so we may just have stumbled upon a project worth our entire lives.

Don’t forget your free tea today!

We finally got to the Advanced Learning Library this week and…whoa.

Loved everything about it.

Seriously

View

Did you know Reverie will be setting up shop there soon? Books, technology, community, studying, coffee. It’s all there.

Be sure to check out all the upcoming Story Times, Book Clubs, and Kid to Teen events at the Library here.

Looks like the first Food Trucks at the Fountains at Wichita WaterWalk will be this Sunday, June 24th. Outdoor Yoga begins at 10 am and food trucks will be open from 11-2. Bring your people and enjoy the water.

Looks like the Bel Aire City-Wide Garage Sales are on this weekend, beginning today June 21st through Saturday the 23rd. Thanks, Wichita on the Cheap!

The Wichita Art Museum is hosting an outdoor Family ArtVenture this Saturday from 11-3. Build a sculpture, join in an art scavenger hunt, and bring money for Kona Ice.

A friend alerted me to this event tomorrow night, June 22nd. Live 90’s music, free hot dogs, a splash pad? Sounds perfect.

If you or someone you know is moving into Medicare, the Sedgwick County Extension Office is offering a Medicare Options Event next Wednesday, June 27th from 5:30-7:00. There is a small fee for printed materials.

It’s rough out there right now. Take care of yourselves, friends.

Okay, so it’s like 14 days. Or more.

Pool time

 

Art at Angelou Library Branch

Scope Camp with Dad – Coding Class

Friends’ new chicks

 

Our church’s Super Hero-themed Kids’ Kamp

 

5 new babies right outside our door

Pay $30 for a school fundraiser, get a lovely bouquet every month for a year. From Tillie’s Flowers.

Celebrating my sweet cousin’s life

Grateful for friends’ hospitality

Glory

 

Your 7-ish days?

 

“So the wall was finished on the twenty-fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty-two days. And when all our enemies heard of it, all the nations around us were afraid and fell greatly in their own esteem, for they perceived that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God.”

Nehemiah 6:15-16 ESV

Last time we looked in on Nehemiah’s prayer as he dealt with his anger at injustice first in the presence of Elohim. Today we see the results of all the time, work, attacks, distractions, and building: the wall was finished.

The gorgeous Hebrew word for finished is shalam – to make amends, restitution, full, give again. What a picture of completeness. It is the word from which shalom comes, meaning welfare, peace, well-being.

One of my favorite books, The Freedom of Simplicity, describes the concept of shalom exquisitely:

“…a harmonious, caring community with God at its center as the prime sustainer and most glorious inhabitant…Central to the dream of shalom is the wonderful vision of all nations streaming to the mountain of the temple of God to be taught his ways and to walk in his paths; to beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks…

We are in harmony with God – faithfulness and loyalty prevail.

We are in harmony with our neighbor – justice and mercy abound.

We are in harmony with nature – peace and unity reign.”

Nehemiah’s situation did not fully exemplify this shalom. Ours does not yet either, and we know it. But we get glimpses, don’t we? Delicious moments in which we see the Future Shalom in our decidedly- difficult here and now. The Spirit breathes and we experience moments of completeness today of which we will inhale for all eternity soon.

Since our main word is shalam, I think it important we stay with a crucial aspect of its definition: reparations. This rebuilding of the wall and remaking of the temple was not simply about the Jewish exiles experiencing completeness and peace. This was a do-over for Yahweh’s covenant people to live in light of His promises as His chosen ones before the eyes of the nations.

The image is that of everything coming full circle for God’s people. And we are invited into an even more perfectly completed one. One in which we could offer no reparations and could make no restitution. For He Himself is our peace.

But from that place of being reconciled to God through Jesus’ physical body, we have the opportunity to extend such a giving posture. To restore what is broken and make amends where needed.

And the result in Nehemiah’s situation will be similar in ours: all (kol) heard (shama – announce, listen with intent to obey), saw (raah – to see, behold, display) and the surrounding nations (sabib goy) fell (naphal – lie, abandon, dash down, topple) greatly (meod – much, abundance) in their own eyes (ayin – eye, confidence, sight).

Or: When all heard and beheld this display, their self-confidence was dashed greatly.

At first this may seem like a harsh result, but it’s important to remember falling in our own eyes is the invitation to become captivated by Another. One worthy of high esteem and all our confidence. To watch a group of exiles finish the wall in less than two months was nothing short of a miracle, and the watching world knew it. Realizing God is in charge must be preceded by the insight that we aren’t.

“…for they perceived (yada – know, discern, discover, know assuredly) this work (melakah – cattle, craftsmanship, business) was accomplished (asah – advance, appoint, bear, do, bring to pass) by (eth – against, along, beside, help, presence) Elohim.”

Or: they knew without a doubt this melakah was advanced in the help and presence of Elohim.

What a gift to fall in esteem in our own eyes even as we come to know without a doubt the Creator God is on the move and we get to be swept up in it. He will accomplish beautiful works in our day as well, friends.

That all may see and know the Most High is also our Good, Good Father.

It’s that time! McAllister’s is offering their Free Iced Tea Day next Thursday, June 21st

Wichita on the Cheap has a list of Father’s Day Deals to enjoy this weekend, including a free sub, free entrance for Dad to Cowtown and the Zoo – including their Car Show. You’re sure to find something of interest for the father in your life.

You know the Advanced Learning Library’s Grand Opening is Saturday June 16th, right? The list of events is delightful, runs all day long, and is definitely worth your time. Plus the library’s neighbor, Exploration Place, is offering a ticket discount if you show them your library card. It always pays to visit the library. So grateful for this new addition to our city.

Have you been to the Farmers’ Markets this season? There are many to choose from, including:

• Old Town Farmers’ Market (whose webpage now features an interactive vendor map)
• Kansas Grown Farmers’ Market at 21st & Ridge Saturdays from 7-noon
• Lincoln Heights Farm & Art Market every Wednesday from 7 -11 am.
• Green Acres Farmers’ Market every Tuesday from 3-6 pm

Catch Jonathan Fritzen at Bradley Fair’s Free Summer Concert Series next Thursday, June 21st. It’s from 7:30 – 9:30 pm, but people begin setting up their chairs that morning, so catch your spot early.

Did you know David Sedaris is coming to Wichita? The tour for his latest work, Calypso, is being held exclusively at independent bookstores across the nation, and he’ll be here Wednesday, June 20th at 6 pm. Get your ticket here, which includes a copy of his book and a space in the signing line.

I love summer. Have a great weekend!

“Remember Tobiah and Sanballat, O my God, according to these things that they did, and also the prophetess Noadiah and the rest of the prophets who wanted to make me afraid.”

Nehemiah 6:14 ESV

Last time we listened in on Nehemiah’s response that he should hide away in the sacred temple without the authority to do so. Today we get an insight into his prayers to Elohim.

Bring to mind (zakar), Elohim, these deeds Sanballat and Tobiah have done (maaseh – deed, wrought). Moreover (gam), the prophetess (nebiah) Noadiah (whose name means “meeting with Yah”) and the other prophets/speakers (nabi) who would have me (hayah) in improper fear (yare).

The first thing our governor did in his prayer is ask Elohim to remember. We’ve seen this before when Nehemiah was asking God to remember him for the beautiful. Here he asks our Remembering God to bring to mind his enemies’ wrong deeds against him.

Before we jump all over Nehemiah for praying something opposite for his enemies than for himself, let us remember all he was experiencing at this point. For weeks, and at every turn, those opposed to what God had sent him to do had tried to thwart the work, discourage him and the people, and threaten his life. Nehemiah had resisted multiple attempts to get him to leave his calling, sin against God, and save his own skin. So what does he do? He tells God exactly how he feels.

At this point our governor does not want to show mercy. He is not interested in removing the plank from his own eye first. He does not care about praying for those who persecute him. He wants justice. He wants God to remember how they’ve hurt him.

What do you think would happen if Nehemiah stayed in this state of mind? What happens when you stay here? Likely not anything good.

But suppose Nehemiah did nothing with all his anger and hurt at injustice. What would happen then? What happens when you leave things unresolved or ignored? Usually nothing good.

So perhaps Nehemiah was dealing with things in the best way. Pouring out his heart to God rather than others or his enemies. There’s likely no other way for him to get to the place of looking at eye planks, offering mercy, or genuinely praying. He would have to start with his heart. We all do.

No matter how right you think you are in any given situation out there, what would it take to get to kind? To forgiveness and personal humility and agape love? Could we start where Nehemiah did? On our knees, dealing with our anger so we become aware of our own shortcomings, ready to hear others out? It has been very clear this week in the news that people are hurting. Life is so hard, friends. Let’s not make it harder on each other.

Nehemiah’s complaints to God focus on more than Sanballat and Tobiah. He specifically points out the prophetess Noadiah and the rest of the prophets who would seek to make him afraid.

What a gut check, Believers. What is our motivation in speaking God’s Word or being his spokespeople? If the illusion of power to make others fall into improper fear is our goal, let’s fall on our faces now. The Sword of the Spirit is a weapon against darkness, not humans made in the image of Elohim.

“Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.

Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.“

Ephesians 6:11, 17-18 NLT

If it’s true that it won’t be by might nor by power but by His Spirit that Kingdom work is accomplished, let’s first be concerned with the issues in our own hearts and petitions before the King in prayer. Only then will we be able to share God’s Word with compassion and emulate His kindness that leads to repentance.

The only yare we ought to desire to inspire in speaking forth His Word is the reverence of such a magnificent, glorious Most High God and His spectacular ways for creation. May we go in that desire and His authority.

We haven’t done this in a minute. Let’s go!

Have you heard about the Say Yes! Pass? If you missed the launch party on Monday, no fear. We just signed up yesterday at the Wichita Transit Station and it took maybe 8 minutes for our boys to get sweet photo cards for free rides on the bus, free entry to any public pool, and other great stuff. Love that our city is investing in our kids. (Thanks Wichita on the Cheap for the details on this!)

Speaking of our city, have you joined in at Riverfest yet? Today and tomorrow, June 8th and 9th, are the final days. But the activities are still in full force. Plus, free fireworks show tonight and Saturday night. Bring the lawn chairs and enjoy!

Next, don’t forget tomorrow, June 9th, is 2nd Saturday. Be sure to check out all your favorite shops on Douglas and get 15% off. Plus The Workroom will be hosting their 2nd Saturday Market with live music, food trucks, and local vendors.

Speaking of saving, the Lincoln Heights Village is hosting an ice cream social tomorrow from 1-3 pm. Watermark will be continuing their Sidewalk Sale while you eat. Take advantage of their $1 super sale, $3 paperbacks, and $5 hardback books!

How about the Library Summer Reading program?

The theme this year is Libraries Rock, and every kid 18 and under can receive prizes for every 10 days they read books or participate in activities. And check out other upcoming activities the library offers here. Love the library. (The new downtown branch is opening soon!)

Bradley Fair is featuring their free, outdoor Summer Concert Series again this year. Bring your chairs and hear to Taps Mugadza near the lake on Thursday, June 14th from 7:30 – 9:30.

Yoga on the Lawn is going strong at the Wichita Art Museum. Join in for a free stretch and strengthen workout tomorrow, June 9th, at 9:00.

I’m sure I’ve missed stuff, but it’s been awhile. Smile. Hope you have a wonderful weekend loving the people in your life!