What Wall Are We Building?

In the book of Nehemiah, the wall surrounding the city of Jerusalem is rebuilt. As Nehemiah leads the people in the reconstruction effort, enemies repeatedly mock and threaten them. The threats become so serious that while some work to complete the wall, others stand ready with spears, shields, bows, and breastplates (Nehemiah 4:16). Incredibly, regardless of the danger, progress continues, and the wall is finished in just 52 days.

Today we are not much different than Nehemiah and those who continued to rebuild that wall, or at least we shouldn’t be. Reconstruction was the work given to them by God. When they faced serious threats and dangers, work continued until the job was done. Throughout their work, they remembered that God was with them and that God would “give [them] success” (Nehemiah 2:20).

What work has God given us to do? We are commanded to share the gospel (Mark 16:16), we are commanded to “walk in the Light” (1 John 1:7), we are commanded to live a life faithful to God and His Word.

What dangers threaten our progress? We might face people who mock or ridicule our beliefs. We may become discouraged after sharing the gospel with people who ultimately reject it. We may fear any number of scenarios that prevent us from doing the work that God has given us to do.

We need to remember that God is always with us, that God will always and ultimately protect us, and that regardless of any fear, danger, or embarrassment we face, God’s work needs to continue. So what is our wall today?

Matt Langfield