July 9

Nehemiah 3, 4
Luke 6

Today’s reading from Nehemiah opens on a scene of activity – Nehemiah lists the gates and the walls that are being rebuilt by the men (and women - Shallum repaired his section with the help of his daughters) of Israel.

Sanballat the Samaritan and Tobiah the Ammonite are incensed.  They can’t believe the Jews are actually carrying out their plan.  The Jews are called “feeble” and their efforts are mocked, saying that something as light as a fox would break down the walls they are building.  It makes me wonder what Sanballat and Tobiah were so worried about if they really believed this was true. Later, when they realized the Jews were serious about rebuilding this wall and the gates, they began to plan an attack, but Nehemiah didn’t panic – he formed a plan in which half the workers will work and half will stand guard with their weapons while the work of rebuilding is carried on.  Nehemiah demonstrated how a person who is doing God’s work and God’s will can carry on confidently even though his enemies are gathering against him – they are no match for God.

In today’s reading from Luke, Jesus also faces opposition.  The Pharisees and teachers of the law were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus of doing wrong.  He too carried on with doing God’s will rather than listening to the pettiness of men.  He tells to do one of the hardest things of all- we are to love our enemies and do good to those who hate us.  I have often thought that if this came naturally or easily, God wouldn’t have had to tell us to do it.  I can tolerate people who hate me, maybe, but love them?  Really?  It is only by God’s grace and a true understanding of how much God has forgiven me of the things I’ve done, thought and said that I can show that same grace to people who are unkind to me.  Do you struggle with this?