The Scheming Tactics of Kingdom Enemies, Part 7 - (A Successful Completion)

Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | December 1, 2023 | Nehemiah 6:15-16

KEY VERSE:

"15 So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth of Elul, in fifty-two days. 16 When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God." Nehemiah 6:15-16 (NIV)

MESSAGE

In a remarkable display of determination and divine assistance, Nehemiah and the people completed the reconstruction of the wall in an astonishing fifty-two days. This feat is a testament to the power of unity, unwavering faith, and the guidance of God in accomplishing seemingly impossible tasks. It can only be described as a miraculous achievement. The successful completion of the wall had a profound effect on the enemies and surrounding nations. The realisation that this accomplishment was achieved with the help of God instilled fear and stripped away their self-confidence. It emphasizes the transformative impact of God's work in and through His people. The successful completion of the wall was not just a human achievement; it was a manifestation of God's power and faithfulness. In our pursuits and endeavours, acknowledging God's role in our accomplishments ensures that success brings glory to Him and points others to the source of our strength.

The recognition of God’s favour caused the enemies to temporarily back off. They could attribute the great achievement to the strength and providential favour of the Lord and the courage and persevering work of the people under the godly leadership of Nehemiah. This left an impactful testimony – Impact on the godly and impact on God’s enemies: “When all our enemies heard of it, and all the nations surrounding us saw it, they lost their confidence; for they recognised that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God” (vrs.16).

FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE

Great things can be accomplished with God’s help even in the midst of seemingly insurmountable challenges. Always remember to acknowledge and give credit to God for His role in our accomplishments and ensure that God’s glory is central to all our achievements.

PRAYER

My God and my Father, I praise you for all the successes I have achieved in my life and ministry. May my reflection on what you have done for me inspire me to trust in your power and faithfulness in the face of challenges. As I pursue my goals, may the successes bring glory to your name, so that others will witness the transformative impact of your work in and through me. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSINGS SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!

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DAILY word study: HELP OF OUR GOD The Hebrew phrase translated as "help of our God" is "ezer Eloheynu" (עֵזֶר אֱלֹהֵינוּ). "Ezer" denotes aid, assistance, or help, and "Eloheynu" refers to our God. Together, the phrase conveys a profound reliance on God's assistance.

Similar expressions of relying on the help of God are found in Psalms, where the psalmist often acknowledges God as a refuge and source of strength (Psalm 46:1; 121:2). The concept is also echoed in the New Testament, emphasizing dependence on God's grace and strength (2 Corinthians 12:9).

The phrase "help of our God" emphasizes reliance on divine assistance and intervention. Throughout the Bible, similar expressions underscore the understanding that human efforts, while necessary, are insufficient without God's support. It signifies acknowledging God as the ultimate source of strength, guidance, and success.

In Nehemiah 6:16, this phrase encapsulates the recognition that the successful completion of the rebuilding efforts in the face of opposition was not solely due to human skill or strategies but was fundamentally dependent on God's providential help. It highlights the synergy between human effort and divine intervention.

For believers, the phrase serves as a reminder to approach challenges with a humble acknowledgement of dependence on God. It encourages a perspective that recognizes God's role as the ultimate helper amid difficulties, opposition, or daunting tasks.

Reflections:

How can the example of Nehemiah's reliance on the "help of our God" inspire us to approach challenges with faith, acknowledging God's role as our ultimate source of strength and success?