A Man Like Me

When Nehemiah, who had been given permission and provisions to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem by the king of Persia, had completed the task all but setting the massive gate, he was warned by Shemaiah to go with him and lock themselves in the Temple because men were coming by night to kill him.

His response was epic: "Should a man like me run away? Or should someone like me go into the temple to save his life? I will not go!” (Neh 6:11).  Nehemiah knew the entire time he was building the wall that his life was at risk.  He also knew that Shemaiah was not prophesying for the Lord but for the money he had been paid by Sandballat and Tobiah, who were dead set against the wall being completed.

Regardless of the threat and the traitorous acts of some within his ranks, Nehemiah would not be derailed because he had a one-track mind: The mind of God.  He knew that he was doing the work God had set in his heart and he would not stop the work, even at the threat of his life.  His personal safety was not to be compared with his sacred duty.

That's what he meant when he said, "Shall a man like me run away."  He was not commenting on his status or stature or strength but rather on his servant status before the Living God.  He was saying, in effect, "Shall a man serving God Almighty, turn away from that service and run for cover or safety at the threat of man?"

Should anyone, who is a child of God, doing the work of God turn back because others don't like what he/she is doing?  Should we, as Christians, back off doing what we know to be God's will because discouraging or threatening rebukes from others?  Should we allow our personal safety or financial security determine the degree of our commitment to God?

The answer is a firm and resounding no! “'My righteous one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back.'  But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved" (Heb 10:38-39).  As Christians, we do not need to test the winds of public opinion or even the threat level to decide what course we should take, rather, we are to "seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" (Mt 6:33).  Jus' Say'n.