Be Offensive

“And the hits-- just keep onnnn comin’ . . .”

That can feel like the story of our lives: one low-blow after another. Sometimes it seems that our only defense is to curl up in a ball and wait for the storm to pass over. How many times have I said to myself, “Just go to sleep; it’ll all be better in the morning.”?
But as you know, time itself doesn’t heal all wounds. Even if it did, we still wouldn’t have learned how to prevent further injury because all we have done is ridden the storm out. We will have never gained any insight on how to protect ourselves or in whom to place our trust. Furthermore, how do we begin to rebuild our lives (or church) when disaster has struck?
I believe several keys to successful reconstruction lie in the book of Nehemiah and the effort to replace the wall around Jerusalem. As Nehemiah spearheaded this massive project, he and his workers faced incredible turmoil, including: taunting, mockery, and enemy attacks.
In chapter two we read that everyone was fully aware of the tragedy that had beset their city, and once Nehemiah stated his intentions to rebuild the wall to the political and religious leaders and stated how he knew that the hand of God was upon him, they were all for it (verses 17&18). But you know what’s interesting? As soon as they were about to proceed, the skeptics spoke up, “What are you doing . . . ?”(Verse 19) Nehemiah’s response in verse twenty is worth noting: “The God of heaven will help us succeed. We his servants will start rebuilding this wall. But you have no stake or claim in Jerusalem.” (Emphasis mine) Those who are not vested personally in the greater vision of our life or our community should have no place or voice in our plans and efforts. How often, however, do we let these same people deter us from our duty and detract from our dreams?
Then, in chapter four, the mockery turns to scheming and plans to attack. When Nehemiah and the crew learn of these machinations, they respond the way I wish came more naturally to followers of Christ and those belonging to any community of faith fellowship: “[They] prayed to . . . God and guarded the city day and night to protect [them] selves.” (Verse 9) They didn’t neglect the awesome power of constant prayer, nor did they forget the need to remain vigilant at all times. They kept their guard up.
Like any good leader, Nehemiah did his part by placing the right people in the right role: those who were stronger protected those who were weaker. (Verse 13) He knew they were susceptible to attack due to the distance between the work parties and the separation that existed between the people. Like the workers in this story, we as church members can’t always stay in constant contact, but we can be constantly ready to respond by arming ourselves appropriately and by assisting those who might be struggling with their faith. “The common laborers carried on their work with one hand supporting their load and one hand holding a weapon.” (Verse 17b) As we encourage each other and labor together in the work of building God’s kingdom, we strive to undertake the dual role of faithful servant and equipped watchman. (Do you know what the weapons of our warfare are? See Ephesians 6:10-18)
I wonder what would happen if, when tragedy occurs within God’s Church, we all ran instinctively back to it and took shelter there, instead of fleeing and staying away from it? Nehemiah had everyone move back inside the walls once there was significant progress made in rebuilding them. He knew that, together, they stood a chance of protecting their work and each other. (Verse 22) More than anything, Nehemiah commanded constant vigilance on the part of everyone. “During this time, none of us- not I, nor my relatives, nor my servants, nor the guards who were with me- ever took off our clothes. We carried our weapons with us at all times” (Verse 23). A strong, unified, prepared community of believers presents a daunting adversary to our enemy because isolation is one of Satan’s favorite strategies. (See also II Corinthians 6:7-8a)
If you watch any team sport regularly, you may have heard this, “A good offense is better than a good defense.” I think Nehemiah probably would take both. So should we. Be wise, watchful, and prepared. Take shelter in the Lord and in His church. Care for those unable to care for themselves. Set about the rebuilding of your life and your church with one hand on the work and the other on your weapon. “Don’t be afraid of the enemy! Remember the LORD, who is great and glorious, and fight for your friends, your families, and your homes!” (Verse 14).
If we do these things- together, we can say, “I will not die, but I will live to tell what the LORD has done.” Psalm 118:17