Key Verse: Nehemiah 6:5-9
As the enemies failed in their first tactic of fake friendship, they wove a new tactic against the people. The second time, they tried to spread false accusations against Nehemiah! Their stand was, “you and the Jews are plotting to revolt, and therefore you are building the wall.” Accusations always contain a header which follows, “We have heard like this”, “Many people say the same story”, “Everyone knows everything about you” and so on. The enemy tries to convince us that what they are propagating is true! They may twist the facts against us, they may make false facts that sound similar and convincing like that of the truth, they may influence people whom we consider are trustworthy, or they may share the false news with everyone – including people who have no relation with the call or the work. In today’s world, one can be defamed in the split of a second! Everything can be done online! With a live feed on social media!
The enemy raised 3 false accusations to give solid grounds to his plain threat:
- Jews are plotting to revolt,
- Nehemiah was about to become as their king,
- Nehemiah had appointed prophets to proclaim the same in Jerusalem.
And, their plan was to make Nehemiah come for a meeting with the enemies. Just as Nehemiah discerned the previous tactic, he was confident and concise in his response, because he was sure about himself and his call and he knew that elaborate defense would bring no good, other than wasting time in talking to them. So, he defended that the threats were just another cooked-up story by the enemies to stop the work!
When the people hear the arguments and debates, they may get confused as a few of them may start to believe that what the enemies are telling is true. And this can affect the work, as their minds get weak on hearing them! And Nehemiah applied the best antidote for doubt and weakness of mind – prayer. He prayed to the LORD to keep the minds of the people intact, so that they would work in unity. Their hands and minds should work in accordance to finish the work in the due time. He prayed that GOD would strengthen him as well. He seemed bold before the enemies, but after multiple exposures to the threats and accusations, he may have gone weak within, as well. He accepts this and seeks power from the LORD! Seek HIS power to overcome the threats and the accusations of the enemies.
Practical Living: Leaders lead others to win the battle with prayer and not mere weapons of the flesh! When false accusations arise, when they affect the people who follow us, direct them to GOD in prayer. Refrain from giving elaborate defenses and let GOD fight your battles!
