“So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth of the month Elul, in fifty-two days. When all our enemies heard of it, and all the nations surrounding us saw it, they lost their confidence; for they recognized that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God.”
The Living God had burdened Nehemiah with the task of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem which had laid in ruins for over 70 years. Under the leadership of God, Nehemiah led the people of Israel to undertake this monumental task.
There was much skepticism at the beginning. Many within Israel viewed the task before them as being impossible, especially considering their limited resources. Then as the work began, their enemies surrounding them began to oppose them. But Nehemiah would not be deterred. He refused to quit even in the face of serious opposition. He continued faithful to the task and trusted in the Lord. He knew that it was God who had called him to the task. As a result, God blessed the work. God enabled the work to prosper. And the wall was finished in only 52 days! That was remarkable; in fact, it was unbelievable.
The result was that everyone, including their enemies, knew that this feat was accomplished only by the power of God. They were in awe, amazement, and wonder of the God of Israel. That is when you know that God is in the work!
God works through ordinary people, who do ordinary and necessary things in obedience to Him. In their weakness and feelings of inadequacy, the Lord empowers them to do what they could never do in and of themselves. As a result, they recognize the Hand of God at work! And God alone gets the glory! For there is no other explanation for what has been accomplished.
When the unbelieving see it, even they have to acknowledge God in the work!
Rev. James W. Black
