A Leader’s Charge Against Fear | Nehemiah 4:10-14

In Judah it was said, “The strength of those who bear the burdens is failing. There is too much rubble. By ourselves we will not be able to rebuild the wall.” And our enemies said, “They will not know or see till we come among them and kill them and stop the work.” At that time the Jews who lived near them came from all directions and said to us ten times, “You must return to us.” So in the lowest parts of the space behind the wall, in open places, I stationed the people by their clans, with their swords, their spears, and their bows. And I looked and arose and said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.”  — Nehemiah 4:10-14 CALL OUT: Bob Willbank in Minnetonka, MN, president of G7 Networking. Thank you for your partnership. There are a bunch of interesting little tidbits in this text: Verse 10 represents a song, probably a refrain or bridge from a song, evident by how the text was metered. The people probably sang it while they worked on the wall. Think of it like the "Chain Gang" song by Sam Cooke. But now it's becoming evident this song was becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy. Verse 11 reveals a growing resistance and a definitive plan to attack Jerusalem by a secret faction. The king of Persia has disallowed it, but the enemy uprising is restless and ready to attack. Verse 12 is the awareness of gossip about the secret plan by the Jews in the surrounding areas. Many Jews working on the wall lived or had relatives in the regions governed by Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem. So the secret got out. Verse 13 is Nehemiah's response to the threat. He arms men and positions them in the valley outside the wall where the enemy can see them. He demonstrated he knew about their plot and was prepared to defend. But the last verse is the best. Nehemiah gives a charge. His charge has three parts: First, he declares, "Do not be afraid." Nehemiah intentionally uses this phrase. The words echo an ancient axiomatic charge used by many of God's leaders, and the people would have instantly made this connection. It was a charge God, Moses, Joshua, David, and many others gave. There are variations of it, but here is one in Joshua 10:25 And Joshua said to them, “Do not be afraid or dismayed; be strong and courageous. For thus the Lord will do to all your enemies against whom you fight.” This charge was a call to remember that God is the divine warrior. That God is the one who fights all their battles. That God will turn the fear they have projected on them back to their enemies. God's people only need strength and courage in Him because God defends himself and his work. Second, he persuades them to turn their minds not to the greatness of the work or the greatness of the enemy but to the greatness of God. Nehemiah is increasingly aware that the battle within and without their ranks has become great in their mind. It is so great it is affecting their mind, emotion, and will. Therefore, Nehemiah is trying to turn their mind, emotion, and will back to the inspiring greatness of God. Third, he has armed and positioned men and charges them to fight if a battle comes. There aren't open borders around Nehemiah's wall and city. He's not going to give them free access. And he inspires them by telling them this is the final line of defense in the continuity of their families. So, Nehemiah makes a show of protection, which, by the way, is just enough to thwart the plans of the rising resistance. So here's a practical application. Face Fears with Faith: Everyone will encounter situations that invoke fear and anxiety. The key is not to allow fear to take precedence over your faith. Shift Focus to Fearing God: When fear strikes, you need to immediately and consciously shift your focus to God’s greatness. When we fear the greatness of God, human fears will dissipate. Prepare with Defensive Action: You must arm yourself for defensive action. This might mean reading certain Scripture, seeking wise counsel, or countering the challenges. Faith is active, not passive, so defend yourself. Remember Why: Remember what’s truly important in our lives, and in everything, fight for the right reasons in the right way. ASK THIS: Nehemiah inspired the people to focus not on the magnitude of their task or the strength of their enemies but on the greatness of God. Reflect on a time when you faced a daunting challenge. How did shifting your focus from the problem to God’s greatness change your perspective and approach?  Nehemiah’s response to the threat was fourfold: How do you balance your faith in God’s protection with taking proactive, practical steps in your own life challenges? Share examples where you had to act in faith while also preparing practically. DO THIS: Take all four steps in one fear today.