Nehemiah 5:1–5 ‘Now the men and their wives raised a great outcry against their fellow Jews.’ (v1)
At the end of chapter 4 there is great victory over the enemy, the wall continues to be built, albeit slower, as they hold a sword in one hand and a trowel in another.
But now there is infighting and it seems as though the building work has stopped as it does not get mentioned.
It is interesting how in just a few days they go from this beautiful community in chapter 3, working hard together across generations and trades to build this wall.
Then they spend chapter 4 working out how to defeat the enemy and take it in turns, with some watching and some working.
The enemy was unsuccessful, but now through infighting, the very aim of the enemy has been achieved. This is a story repeated throughout history and in our own lives today.
The enemy cannot stop the mission by a direct attack, and so instead creates confusion and frustration and allows our own disagreements to cause conflict and subsequently the mission halts.
Language is important here. When the Jewish people stop talking about Nehemiah’s vision, the rebuilding of the wall, but instead talk about themselves and their needs, sides are created.
Those with and those without. Disagreements and infighting is always petty, as it reduces us to arguing about the small things rather than keeping our eyes fixed on God and the mission He has placed before us.
A Prayer To Make:
‘Lord, sorry when we have got sidetracked from Your purposes because of our personal wants. Help us to keep our eyes fixed on You when we don’t know what to do. Amen.’
An Action To Take:
Is there infighting in your life? Maybe with your family, friends or church? Pray for a change of focus, that the attention would be placed on the things of God not on our own desires.
Scripture To Consider:
2 Chr. 20:1–26; Matt. 14:22–33; Phil. 2:1–8; Heb. 12:1–3
