Reformation
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The success attending Nehemiah’s efforts shows what prayer, faith,
and wise, energetic action will accomplish. Nehemiah was not a priest;
he was not a prophet; he made no pretension to high title. He was
a reformer raised up for an important time. It was his aim to set his
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people right with God. Inspired with a great purpose, he bent every
energy of his being to its accomplishment. High, unbending integrity
marked his efforts. As he came into contact with evil and opposition
to right he took so determined a stand that the people were roused to
labor with fresh zeal and courage. They could not but recognize his
loyalty, his patriotism, and his deep love for God; and, seeing this,
they were willing to follow where he led.
Industry in a God-appointed duty is an important part of true re-
ligion. Men should seize circumstances as God’s instruments with
which to work His will. Prompt and decisive action at the right time
will gain glorious triumphs, while delay and neglect result in failure
and dishonor to God. If the leaders in the cause of truth show no zeal,
if they are indifferent and purposeless, the church will be careless,
indolent, and pleasure-loving; but if they are filled with a holy purpose
to serve God and Him alone, the people will be united, hopeful, eager.
The word of God abounds in sharp and striking contrasts. Sin and
holiness are placed side by side, that, beholding, we may shun the one
and accept the other. The pages that describe the hatred, falsehood, and
treachery of Sanballat and Tobiah, describe also the nobility, devotion,
and self-sacrifice of Ezra and Nehemiah. We are left free to copy either,
as we choose. The fearful results of transgressing God’s commands
are placed over against the blessings resulting from obedience. We
ourselves must decide whether we will suffer the one or enjoy the
other.
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The work of restoration and reform carried on by the returned ex-
iles, under the leadership of Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah, presents
a picture of a work of spiritual restoration that is to be wrought in the
closing days of this earth’s history. The remnant of Israel were a feeble
people, exposed to the ravages of their enemies; but through them God
purposed to preserve in the earth a knowledge of Himself and of His
law. They were the guardians of the true worship, the keepers of the
holy oracles. Varied were the experiences that came to them as they
rebuilt the temple and the wall of Jerusalem; strong was the opposition
that they had to meet. Heavy were the burdens borne by the leaders in