By Kenneth B.E. Roxburgh, Ph.D.
Chair and Armstrong Professor of Religion, Samford University
Prioritize
Nehemiah 6:1–3, 15–16; 8:1–13, 5–8
Chapter 6 begins with the resounding news that the wall has been completed and that there are no gaps to be seen. The city is secure. The only thing that remains to be done is to raise the gates. At that point the enemy tries to interfere with the progress that is being made and to distract Nehemiah from the task that is still to be finished.
Stay focused on the task until God’s work is completed. (6:1–3, 15–16)
It probably seemed harmless. A letter arrives which invites Nehemiah to leave Jerusalem and go to one of the villages about 20 miles northwest of Jerusalem. Perhaps it came as a suggestion of some respite, some relaxation after such an arduous time of activity. However, Nehemiah detects a plan to lure him away from his post and do him harm. So he declines very politely, indicating that he is too busy to come.
Four more invitations quickly follow, one after the other, until finally he receives a letter which contains a threat, spreading a rumor that Nehemiah is actually plotting against the Persian Empire and intending to put himself forward as a new king of Israel.
Words can be deceptive and harmful. If enough lies are told about a person, even a leader, then some people will conclude that there is “no smoke without fire.”
Nehemiah, however, stays focused and doesn’t deviate from the work that God has called him to do. As a result, the wall was completed.
God’s word deserves our attention. (8:1–3)
As the story progresses, the call of God shifts from being engaged in active service to reflecting on personal spirituality and how a spiritual leader, indeed any member of the people of God, can sustain the life of faith.
At this stage, Nehemiah is joined by Ezra the scribe, the teacher of the law, and over a period of several hours the law is read and people listen attentively.
This is the first public recognition in Israel’s history of the authority of Torah, the law of God, teaching God’s people how to live a life which will lead to wholesome and joyful community.
God’s word is to be both read and studied. (8:5–8)
Not only did Ezra and his fellow scribes read the Law publicly, but they made the meaning clear so that people understood exactly what God was calling His people to do and how to live their lives.
In a period of time, even within the Bible Belt, when personal Bible reading is less and less important to many Christians and Bible knowledge among young people is depressingly low, this passage of Scripture calls the people of God to give themselves to the reading and study of the word of God.
As we are attentive to God and begin to understand what it means to be people of faith, then our hearts are filled with joy and gladness. So we read that the people bowed their heads, worshipped and responded to what they were taught by saying amen. They made their own affirmation of commitment and loyalty to Scripture: Yes, may it be so!
This story reminds us that we do not worship a book, but through our reading of the Bible, we come to know God more fully and love Him more fervently. John Calvin expressed it this way: “We owe to the Scriptures the same reverence as we owe to God since it has its only source in Him.”
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