Building a Wall

I am reading the book of Nehemiah. I am strongly encouraged and challenged by it because it tells me that responding to injustice is possible. Nehemiah hears about the wall of Jerusalem in need of rebuilding and he starts taking steps to repair it. We don't see him making excuses, "I am busy at work.", "I need to get my affairs in order.", "I just don't have the time, with my kids in soccer and all.".

Nehemiah sees a need and starts toward fixing it. It is amazing to see the influence he has with the king. Not only did he get permission to go, he requested the king for various letters to make the journey more possible. Of course there will always be nay-sayers. There always is. In fact we read about them twice in the first few chapters.

It is inevitable to experience opposition when you are producing change for the betterment of the Kingdom.

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Resist

1 Peter 5:8-9

Peter begins wrapping up his thought about being responsible, submissive, humble and casting your anxiety to God with more character traits necessary to live this Christian world. He says to be self-controlled and alert. If you stop right here you may read over the reason or dismiss the thought entirely. We are to be self-controlled and alert because we have a very real enemy that is looking daily for someone to devour. I fall in the camp that not all the things that are uncomfortable or difficult are attacks from Satan. However, we can't ignore what scripture says about how our story has a villain that is bent on destroying our relationship with God and us in the process. So be alert.

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><

Anxiety

1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)
⁷ Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

I love this verse. I have used it in many lessons, shared it in many times of council and read it over myself in seasons of stress and worry. But today I read it in a different light. I was exposed to these words in the scope of what was just being said as opposed to just a random thought from a man that was bouncing all over the place. Peter has placed this thought while telling the Elders to lead and the young men to be submissive. Then, Peter, instructs everyone to clothe themselves with humility. After that we find ourselves in verse 7.

I can imagine that being a leader in the early church could have been quite stressful. Not just making something out of nothing, but the threat of persecution, being misunderstood and friction from inside the church (people may have been fighting for the spot you were holding.) I could see how worry could keep these men from responding to the call God had placed in their lives to lead. I think that is why Peter decided to throw them a bone in the form of a verse that could fit in their wallet. It was a reminder that we are not alone in the great task. That God cares for us and knows our limits and protects us.

What a beautiful reality to live in, when the love of our Father lives in our hearts.

Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><