Rēad to Read …Again
Daily Reading: Nehemiah 4-6
Nehemiah 4:17
They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon.
That’s how dangerous it was. Every worker on the wall held a trowel (if you will) in one hand and a weapon in the other. In the previous verse half of the workers worked, while half of the workers guarded the workers. In the verse just after today’s verse the Word of God states clearly: For the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and so builded… That is how dangerous it was.
At the risk of over spiritualizing this story, consider the physical aspects contained herein with the spiritual aspects of our work today as Christians. Some believers in Christ are called into full time ministry. Everyone expects them to know how to work the physical work of the ministry while at the same time perform their spiritual work. The physical work may literally be to build a church building, remodel a portion of the church, or even do the yard work if needed. They are not exempt from these basic physical aspects of ministry. But while doing that work the full-time pastoral staff member is expected to also carry their sharp two-edged sword, which of course is the Bible. As a pastor there is seldom a time when I don’t have, at least, my New Testament with me. People expect this of their pastor. Hold the trowel in one hand, and the sword in the other.
After all, as according to II Corinthians 10:4 we are reminded (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;). Yes, a full time Christian worker should know how to work in a dangerous area, a spiritually dangerous time; in one hand they hold the tools of physical work, in the other the Word of God, their sword. But, likewise, just as in the story of Nehemiah’s mixed bag of volunteer workers, not all are in “full time Christian service,” but all are called to be a full time Christian. Meaning, just like a pastor, every child of God should carry out their physical work that they undertake to make a living, but also know how to live by the teachings of, and the proper use of, the Word of God. After all, nothing hurts the cause of Christ quite as much as someone proclaiming to be a Christian, but not living by the clear teachings of the Bible. Many leave their “sword” at the door of their church house, only paying it heed when there. Carry the sword of God both spiritually (in the heart and actions) and physically (at least a gospel tract).
The lesson from Nehemiah chapter four is this, in part, work your work with one hand and keep your sword close on the other.
As this portion of Nehemiah’s story is read, notice something else; they prepared for safety as if it were all up to them. They had a security team, a plan, a warning trumpet, physical weapons, discretion, and discernment. But they also prayed to God and trusted only in Him. They “prayed as if it were all up to God, but worked as if it were all up to them.” This is an earmark of a well-balanced Christian life. Moreover, this balance is vitally needed especially in the dangerous time in which we carry out the work of God today.
Dr. William T. Howe
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