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Nehemiah’s Painful Work of Reformation
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Nehemiah’s success shows what prayer, faith, and wise action
will accomplish. Nehemiah was not a priest; he was not a prophet;
he was a reformer. It was his aim to set his people right with God.
As he came into contact with evil and opposition to right he took
a stand so firmly that the people could not help but recognize his
loyalty, his patriotism, and his deep love for God. Seeing this, they
were willing to follow where he led.
An important part of true religion is being diligent in whatever
God-appointed duty we may have. Decisive action at the right
time will gain glorious triumphs, while delay and neglect result in
failure and dishonor to God. If the leaders show no zeal, if they
are indifferent, the church will be lazy and pleasureloving; but if
they are filled with a holy resolve to serve God and Him alone, the
people will be united, hopeful, eager. The pages of God’s Word that
describe the hatred, falsehood, and treachery of Sanballat and Tobiah
also describe the devotion and self-sacrifice of Ezra and Nehemiah.
We are left free to copy either, as we choose.
“Nehemiahs” Today Lead Out in Sabbath Reformation
The work of reform carried on by Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Ne-
hemiah presents a picture of spiritual restoration in the closing days
of this earth’s history. Through the remnant of Israel God deter-
mined to preserve a knowledge of Himself in the earth. They were
the guardians of true worship, the keepers of the holy Scriptures.
Strong was the opposition they had to meet, heavy the burdens the
leaders bore. But these men moved forward, firmly relying on God
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and believing that He would cause His truth to triumph.
Isaiah outlined the spiritual restoration that the work in Ne-
hemiah’s day symbolized: “Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you
shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be
called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to live in.”
Isaiah 58:12
, NRSV.
A breach has been made in God’s law—the wall that He placed
around His chosen ones for their protection. Obeying its principles
of justice, truth, and purity is to be their perpetual safeguard. The
prophet points out the specific work of this remnant people who built
the wall: “If you refrain from trampling the Sabbath, from pursuing