Fight!
December 2019 – Grace & Truth Magazine
Fight!
The book of Nehemiah has many wonderful points to encourage us during these days when the enemy often attacks and discourages. In Nehemiah 4 we read about the rebuilding of the wall around Jerusalem. A number of individuals and nations “were very angry” and “conspired together ... against Jerusalem” (vv.7-8 NASB ). Therefore, the people of God prayed and set a guard. Nehemiah “stationed men in the lowest parts ... the exposed places ... in families with their swords, spears and bows” (v.13). Danger was greater in the lowest and exposed areas than in the security of higher walls. In our society, we may even liken it to places where things of the world are on ready display: neighborhoods, public schools, sporting events, news media, grocery stores, the internet, cell phones – nearly everywhere and through everything!
The children were not to be left in these situations by themselves, nor were the parents there without their sons and daughters. Each family was together. Parents were to teach their children about trusting the Lord above all: “Do not be afraid ... remember the LORD who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives and your houses” (v.14). They were to remember the greatness and awesomeness of the Lord. Everything in this world pales in view of Him. God’s people were told to “fight.” A spiritual battle is in full force! It is necessary to fight for the salvation of our children, spouses and extended families, and for their proper relationship with God.
The weapons were always to be at hand: swords, spears and bows. Spiritually, we realize they each present a different application of the Word of God. Keep the Bible close and use it for threats that are near, matters that need to be addressed with precision, and for issues which seem to be a good distance away. We, too, must be enjoying the Lord apart from wrong teachings and behavior.
A time of judgment is coming, beginning with the Lord’s people. What will the Lord express about us? The churches in Revelation 2–3 reveal things He has already observed, giving instructions as to how to correct matters and move forward. Stay close to the Lord – the One who came to this sin-cursed world and became Man to die for you and me!
By Paul Alberts