“So we labored at the work, and half of them held the spears from the break of dawn until the stars came out.

I also said to the people at that time, ‘Let every man and his servant pass the night within Jerusalem, that they may be a guard for us by night and may labor by day.'”

Nehemiah 4:21-22 ESV

Last time we watched as Nehemiah gave all the rebuilders, spread out along the wall with their different assigned sections, their orders: when the trumpet sounds, come. Today we see how the building proceeded.

I was interested this week in the Nehemiah’s wording as a leader. “So we labored” is we (anachnu) as in we ourselves, including Nehemiah. I think this is important. I was talking with my sister about leadership and she was telling me how soon Millenials will outnumber every other group out there in business, politics, healthcare, non-profit and education. More than Boomers, Gen-Xers and Xennials. And authoritative, commanding leadership styles will not cut it for them. Collaboration and working together is the key to rallying these troops.

Maybe we can learn something from them. Nehemiah certainly included himself in working on the work. But then it turns from we to them. “Half of them held the spears from the break of dawn until the stars came out.” Nehemiah didn’t hold a spear. And the wording gets a little more complex in the next verse with Nehemiah telling those who lived outside Jerusalem’s walls to stay inside them at night so they and their servants may help keep night watch.

And this looks much more commanding. So let’s back up a tad. Verse 22 uses a time qualifier –eth (appointed time, circumstance). During this time of very real death threats and threat to God’s work being stopped, action was needed. For all the folk who didn’t have a home inside the walls, the need to stay (tavek – in the midst, internally, among) within was crucial. For their safety and all the people’s.

But also for another reason: that they may be (hayah – become) a guard (mishmar – post, watch). To become a watchman.

Maybe your mind has been swimming this week like mine: thinking through racial reconciliation and indigenous voices; witnessing our culture see what’s considered “normal” sexual expression lead to a degradation of image bearers; seeing a government impasse and Dreamers’ welfare hang in mid air; and watching women stand up both for life and each other.

Sometimes seeing all the sides and all the work can be debilitating. But a thought I keep coming back to is from this tweet: God’s Kingdom doesn’t require any of us to choose between 2 evils or 2 goods. We simply choose to see Him on His throne and follow His lead. For that we must be watchmen.

We serve a God of perfect justice. We don’t have to wonder if the One from Whom all things come and through Whom all things are held together has any character flaws. And this powerful and intimate God calls us to obedience. These times, our times, are difficult, but we can watch for the One Who rides on the wings of the wind in Majesty.

Anything He is up to will involve dignity to all. We can know it’s of Him if it smells like service and looks like peace. Giving over winning and integrity over image. As watchmen we can resist what is against His Kingdom advancement because we’re choosing the better that will never be taken from us.

It is our time. Let’s be wise watchmen.

“Then I spoke to the nobles and officials and everyone else: ‘There’s a lot of work going on and we are spread out all along the wall, separated from each other. When you hear the trumpet call, join us there; our God will fight for us.’”

Nehemiah 4:19-20 MSG

Last time we talked about Nehemiah’s strategy to split up the builders – half to work on the wall, half to stand guard. With all the leaders lending their support. Today we see Nehemiah address this whole, positioned crew.

He addresses them all: the nobles, the rulers, and the rest of the people (am – folk). From those in political and social power to those with none. With newly known death threats in the rebuilders’ minds, Nehemiah reminds them that the work is great (rabah – multiplied, abundance) and large (rachab – broad, vast). As such, they are separated (parad – divided, scattered) from each other (ach – brother, countrymen) as they build their respective sections of the wall.

Oh friends, could this be more timely? Could a verse from Holy Scriptures about being divided among countrymen be more applicable? When it becomes ever more clear the President of the United States asserts overtly racist rhetoric toward countries of People of Color in order to rally his base of supporters, while hurting so many Americans in the process, how can we pretend we don’t understand this vast separation?

And Believers? How could we possibly act like this is only “out there” in the world and not one of the dividing factors in the Church, His Beloved Bride? In our narrative today, the countrymen are separated because of their unified work on a God-ordained project. If only that were the case for us in our day. If only our being far from each other were a matter of physical distance while we each worked whole-heartedly on what God had given us to do.

Something has to change. God is using this cultural moment to refine His Bride. I found it interesting the word for noble was chor from charar – to burn. Like refining metal in the fire, those of us born again are of His Noble birth. He will not rest until we resemble His beautiful, trustworthy character. He is calling us to lay down our idols, our pride, our racial and gender biases, prejudice, & bigotry. Until He becomes all, nothing will change. Until His Kingdom is more valuable than nationalism, we will not be working on a unified project but will be at one another’s throats.

And for those of us all in? Those of us seeking daily to lay down our pride, idols, bigotry and bias and genuinely repent? Those asking Him to help us overcome our selfish wills to submit to His perfect one? Well, when you hear the trumpet, come.

The Hebrew is spectacular in this section. Hear is shama – hear & obey. The implication is trust. The second you hear the sound, drop everything and come fight for your brothers and sisters. For sound the Hebrew is qol – voice, proclamation. You may have seen it written kol – as in Kol Yahweh, the voice of the LORD. And trumpet is shophar or shofar, the ram’s horn used to call the Israelites toward introspection and repentance before the One True God.

When you hear God’s voice laced in the pain of others, drop everything and come. When His voice is the sound of wounded sisters, come. When it’s betrayed nations, come. When it’s grievous sin among the church, come. Really, on this MLK weekend, when there’s any attack on any image bearer, come. Gather (qabats – assemble, meet, rally) because our Elohim will fight for us lacham – devour, overcome, prevail.

Our Creator God will have His way. Fortunately, His way involves beautiful justice, heart-breaking mercy, humility and joy. When you hear Him calling, come. Join us there.

“From then on half of my young men worked while the other half stood guard with lances, shields, bows, and mail armor. Military officers served as backup for everyone in Judah who was at work rebuilding the wall.”

Nehemiah 4:16-18 MSG

Last time we watched as the rebuilders returned to the wall, each to their own work. Today we see Nehemiah implement a new military strategy: half the men worked while half stood guard. Work here is asah – to accomplish, advance, bear. Then in the Hebrew another word for work is used. So “half the rebuilders worked on the work.” That second word for work is melakah from last time: craftsmanship, cattle, product, property, service.

Half the builders advanced the wall that represented protection and a united identity as Yahweh’s people.

And the other half? They stood guard. The word used is chazaq – to be firm, strong, support. This half may not be using the majority of their energy putting up the wall but they were a firm support to those who were.

And speaking of supporting. The rulers (sar – chiefs, officials, commanders) stood behind (achar – after, rear) the whole lot of them. All the house of Judah who was rebuilding in earnest, each on their own work.

There are so many whose call right now in our day is to rebuild. Working alongside His Spirit as He refines His Bride. Highlighting idols and shining light on dark principalities. If that is you, bravo. Your connection to Him and His Word and community is of vital importance. As you immerse yourself in those three areas and build, many are willing to stand guard. To pray and give platform and hold up our shields of faith and sword of the Spirit on behalf of the work.

Our unity in the Spirit is crucial right now. With our diverse backgrounds, experiences, callings and assigned positions, let’s come together and work on the work, keep watch or support as needed. All of it is rebuilding, all necessary.

All is service to our worthy King Yahweh.

I don’t know what else to do. This is absolute madness, and I hate the way situations right now can – still, after everything – be so swept under the rug.

The President of the United States is playing with fire. I believe the emphasis should first be on playing because that is the result. Playing with national security, playing with taunts & their outcomes toward a shame-based culture, playing with people’s very lives – not just a few but millions.

And fire should be emphasized. This is pure evil at work. And whether the president sees it for its full ramifications or not, he is being complicit – and flippant – with evil. And I cannot not resist such actions since being silent in the face of evil is to be complicit with it. The president’s behavior has been so erratic and so justified, we are being conditioned to normalize it. We have to refuse. This is not okay.

I’m continuing to learn about White Supremacy and my complicity in it. And how those who are leading right now are showing the need to focus on this root evil – this principality of White Supremacy – in our present moment. And how this principality affects all the rest of our situation.

He is giving us all time to repent, friends. If you’re not sure what you need to repent of, ask. Ask Him, ask someone who can give you a glimpse of what it is like to not be white in our country. Remember if you are not a person of color, white privilege is the air you breathe. We have to become aware of it. And acknowledge white supremacy is the natural byproduct of even the most sincere of us.

Pray. Keep the Word alive, on the very tip of your tongue. Let those who know first-hand lead us.

And resist. We may not be being asked to bow down to a literal statue, but we do need to stand up against the natural flow of our culture right now.

Let’s stand.

“Then our enemies heard that we knew about their plans and that God had ruined their plans. So we all went back to the wall, each to his own work.”

Nehemiah 4:15 NCV

Last time we looked at Nehemiah’s strategy to put courage into his rebuilders: to remember Adonai and overcome attacks. Today we see the result: the enemies of God’s plan realizing He had thwarted theirs.

I appreciate God’s timing. As I type this, it is New Year’s Eve day. A time to think through plans and strategies and one last hurrah. A time to be intentional in how to love others and let go of plans that God would want ruined (parar – disappoint, cast off, fail, frustrate).

And most definitely a time to get back to work – melakah. In the Hebrew this word for work can mean many things: an article made, a business, cattle, craftsmanship, labor, project, property, service, supplies, workmanship. We’ve talked about work before. There is so much to build and rebuild in our day.

Oh me? I’m glad you asked my plans. I have things such as loving my dear, dear family and friends. Eating like a nearly-40-something rather than a teenage boy. Writing until it becomes a joy again.  Renewing my zeal for learning in classes. Loving Pre-K kiddos and new coworkers. Basically living and loving with intention.

How about you? Are you crafting something or herding cattle? Laboring with your hands or leading with your heart? Using property to serve others with fair pricing? Starting a business or working hard at another’s? Taking on projects or serving your neighbor?

Whatever we do this year, may it flow from our union with Him. We ourselves cannot. But in Him, it is possible. All of it. Birthed from our abiding, drenching others in His Spirit. Back to building, friends, each to our own work.

Blessings in 2018.

“And I looked and arose and said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, ‘Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.’”

Nehemiah 4:14

Last time we watched as Jews from the surrounding area warned the rebuilders to return to them. Rather than give in to fear, Nehemiah stationed the folk all around the city to defend against attack. Today we watch the governor stand up with dignity (qum) and inject courage into the rebuilders.

When all kinds of reports of attack are coming at a group of people, it is easy to want to turn back. Nehemiah challenges them to not allow fear (yare) to rule before (paneh) the face of their enemies. But instead to bring to mind (zakar) the Lord (Adonay, Adonai) the Master Who is exceedingly high and mighty (gadol). He is the frightening one (yare). The rebuilders, in alignment with God’s will, do not have to be afraid of their enemies because their Master is frightening – the One worthy of reverence.

What a great strategy. One we can use right now too. Do you hear of wars and rumors of wars? Remember Adonai. Are you overwhelmed with political turmoil and division? Bring to mind our Master. Does the lack of dignity given to image-bearers across the world scare you? Me too. Let’s be mindful of our Sovereign ruler.

Putting this practice first keeps the weight of the world on the proper One. And helps us obey the second practice: to fight (lacham – overcome, prevail) for (al – hovering over) the cause. Or: an overcoming attitude hovering over the enemy on behalf of other image bearers.

In our narrative today, Nehemiah is charging the people to fight for their countrymen, families & homes with swords. And there are times when that is the most loving thing to do. But remember, this is to defend against attack. Nehemiah is not saying, “Charge!” but rather, “Overcome!” The people are not to intentionally go start a war, but neither are they to retreat when a fight comes to them.

The same is true for us all spiritually. While we are not arrogantly looking for a fight, there comes a time when a prevailing attitude, rooted in the Majesty of the King, is needed on behalf of others. Fortunately our hope is not misplaced.

We have a King Who can fix a spotlight of a star in the heavens so pagan kings will seek out the birth of a Baby. That same King can pierce the night with warriors of light erupting in praise before simple sheep herders. And that King overcame the distance between us and Him by contractions and blood and a cold, hard stone floor.

The exceedingly high and mighty One overcame by humble birth and humiliating death. His crown came at a cost. And on behalf of all image bearers who would receive.

Let every heart prepare Him room.

“At that time the Jews who lived near them came from all directions and said to us ten times, ‘You must return to us.’

So in the lowest parts of the space behind the wall, in open places, I stationed the people by their clans, with their swords, their spears, and their bows.”

Nehemiah 4:12-13 (ESV)

Last time we saw the rebuilders’ enemies seeking to come among & kill them to stop the work. Today we see the surrounding Jews, those who did not gather to rebuild, warning the builders to get away from Jerusalem to avoid the attack.

I’ve been thinking this week about the Hebrew word for return: shub – to turn back. Heaven only know the number of times I have needed to turn back from something that was not best for me. But what about when we are smack dab in the center of what He wants for us? That’s when a well-intentioned “return to us” becomes something we need to stand against.

In fact, that’s exactly what Nehemiah did with this warning from their fellow Jews: He stationed people (amad – to take one’s stand) to fight against the attack. If the Jews who had gathered from surrounding areas to rebuild turned tail and ran, the unity being built and the wall starting to take shape would crumble. No, taking a stand was needed.

I appreciate the two areas listed where Nehemiah stationed the people. Both in the lowest parts (tachti – beneath, depths) behind the wall and in open places (tsechichi – higher place, in the glaring sun). And you may like the word used in this situation for people: am – folk. Just the regular, ordinary folk. No special titles needed to take a stand, whether He’s asking you to humble yourself and be stationed in the lowest role, or with great responsibility in a higher one, smack in the glaring sun. Both are crucial, you know. Surprise defense against an enemy attack can only come from those hidden stations. And the character He can grow in you during such a time is desperately needed in the fight of faith.

Where do you need to take a stand right now? Wherever and whatever He has called you to – whether seeking unity, speaking Truth to power, laying down your rights, loving your enemies, taking up your cross, humbling yourself in a relationship, or blessing those unlike you – the spiritual resistance to which He calls us will not ever be with swords, spears or bows.

After all, we worship a Savior Who left power to humbly take on what keeps us up at night. He laid down authority to let our pride humiliate Him. He set aside an army of angels to walk unarmed into our violence.

As we learn to live between the two advents, may we take on His compelling way of life. Folk aren’t drawn into His Kingdom with brute force, selfish ambition, or unbridled power. But rather by the Light and Joy and Peace His arrival brought.

Wherever He’s called us, lets take our stand on a Baby King in a feeding trough. His humility in the lowest place is what radiates His beauty in the glaring sun.

“And our enemies said, ‘They will not know or see till we come among them and kill them and stop the work.'”

Nehemiah 4:11 ESV

Last time we watched how the rebuilders took to discouragement, reminding ourselves where to find our strength and hope. Today we see from the enemies’ perspective.

The first thing we hear from the enemies of the builders is their plan to come among them. The Hebrew word for among is tavek – in the midst. But the builders would not know (yada – be aware) or see (raah – be considered, perceive) their enemies were coming until they were right there in their midst.

Has this ever been your reality? Completely unaware, not even perceiving of the enemy of your soul until you were in the midst of a strange and confusing attack? Me, too. From the looks of things out there, many others can relate. Of course, there are always things we are responsible for; none of us are always, only victims. But understanding the Biblical, spiritual reality of warfare can help us perceive rightly.

The second thing the rebuilders’ enemies utter is their purpose for coming among them: to kill them and put an end to the work. Simply put, intimidation wasn’t working, so killing them was the next most expedient solution. Remember, there were issues of political control factored into Sanballat, Tobiah, and the others’ motives. They stood much to lose if Jerusalem succeeded in coming together and uniting under a new governor. Don’t think they wouldn’t stoop to this level.

Neither will our enemy. Don’t think the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms don’t stand much to lose if Believers come together under His Lordship, despite our differences. And powers and principalities will do everything possible to undermine our witness and break apart what His blood brought together.

And please don’t miss the ultimate motive behind the killing: to put an end to the work. The word is shabath, Shabbat, Sabbath – to cease, rest, stop exertion. The same word used for Elohim, Creator God, on the 7th day of creation. To rest.

In our verses today, the builders resting or ceasing their exertion would be contrary to God’s will. The work needed to continue despite fear and discouragement. And what God has called us to must also continue. Fortunately, even in our work, we are called to rest in Him. Not only does He provide the strength and hope to keep working, He commands rest in the midst of it.

Believers, can we rest this Advent season in appropriate ways? Cease our exertion in a healthy rhythm of trusting relaxation in the midst of obedient work? We will miss the beauty of His coming if we don’t. We couldn’t do enough to get to Him, but He came with a pulse and warm breath and pain receptors to us.

Nothing on our part could bring Him, and nothing could stop His redemptive work. Not an engaged couples’ reputation, a political tyrant or a powerful spiritual enemy. He did the work so we could rest.

Shabbat Shalom, this Advent Sunday, friends. He is worthy.

“Meanwhile, the people in Judah said, ‘The strength of the laborers is giving out, and there is so much rubble that we cannot rebuild the wall.’”

Nehemiah 4:10 (NIV)

The people of Judah had a song they sang:

Last time we watched as the rebuilders set a guard against the opposition seeking to cause confusion and fight against them. We watched as the group prayed to Yahweh and protected themselves. But today’s verse is sobering. It looks as though the opposition is winning.

We only have to look at our news feeds to feel this way. Rich deliberately hurting the poor. Continued injustice from the top down. More misuse of power and money and sex. We can feel as though we too are laborers – sabbal – carry heavy loads, a burden bearer. And our strength is giving out – kashal – stumble, stagger, bring down.

If we don’t grieve as we walk through this tenure on earth, we are not doing justice to the oppressed. But if we simply throw up our hands and do nothing we are probably very privileged and not living into our call as Believers.

An answer is found in the final two Hebrew words used in our verse for “we cannot rebuild the wall.” We is anachnu – we ourselves – and cannot is yakol – not able, cannot endure, do not have power. No, we in ourselves do not have the power to turn it all around in our own strength. If you now feel permission to never exert your strength in our current situation, please rethink. There is much for us to do.

But we must look to the right place for our strength. Why?

Do you not know?
    Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
    the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
    and his understanding no one can fathom.

 He gives strength to the weary
    and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
    and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
    they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint.

Friends, that is why. He never gets tired. He is always, always able. There is nothing He cannot do. And if we derive our strength from His, we work as though resting. We exert effort without anxious striving. We can even take the time to grieve and lament because none of this rests solely on us.

If Advent is about anything it’s that when we were hopeless, Hope showed up. Love took over and came for us. Not when we were strong and things were going well, but when we were weary and in need and mourning. That’s the kind of strength we all need during our one shot at this. His strength. Power that never fails.

Let’s hope in Him.

“And they all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and to cause confusion in it. And we prayed to our God and set a guard as a protection against them day and night.”

Nehemiah 4:8-9 ESV

Do you remember who “they” are? Those plotting to fight against Jerusalem are Sanballat, Tobiah, and the Arabs, Ammonites & Ashdodites. That’s a lot of people. Plus their goal is to cause confusion. The Hebrew word is toah – to wander, error, an abhorrence.

Ah, confusion. Have you ever had a season where it seemed to dominate? When you questioned precious truths and felt as though you might lose your ever-loving mind? Confusion is a brilliant military tactic. That’s why the enemy of our souls uses it.

In today’s narrative, these men who cannot seem to stop the building are now seeking to cause the rebuilders to wander. Wander from their new unity, their purpose of rebuilding. For Nehemiah, the enemies of God’s plan wanted him to question the call God put in his heart. And cause him to wonder if it’s worth it. That’s the main way these men sought to “fight against Jerusalem.”

Fight here is lacham – devour, feed on, consume. Such an image of a violent tearing of the flesh. Like a wild beast looking for something to devour.

Oh but what does verse 9 tell us? We prayed. Not just Nehemiah. We, us. A thrill of hope.

And they didn’t just unite together under the God – Elohim, Creator of all – to pray. They also set a guard as protection. In the rebuilders’ case, they set an actual guard with weapons to fight back as necessary. But the Hebrew is so cool: for “set a guard,” set is amad (to take one’s stand) against is al (hovered over)and (because of) them is paneh (before the face of). Or “our stand hovered over them before their faces.”

There’s a wonderful way we Believers can come together right now and take our stand in a broken, weary world: Advent. The arrival of God coming to earth is either a ridiculous joke or the Hope of the World. And the Church worldwide will begin celebrating within a week.

Let’s set a guard right now individually and corporately to stand on the kind of God Who would arrive on the scene and change everything. To make right what we were hopelessly unable to. To so relate to our pain He took it upon Himself.

There’s no one else who could love like that. No other way to be saved.