Builders and Battlers

Nehemiah 4:15-20 ESV

When our enemies heard that it was known to us and that God had frustrated their plan, we all returned to the wall, each to his work. From that day on, half of my servants worked on construction, and half held the spears, shields, bows, and coats of mail. And the leaders stood behind the whole house of Judah, who were building on the wall. Those who carried burdens were loaded in such a way that each labored on the work with one hand and held his weapon with the other. And each of the builders had his sword strapped at his side while he built. The man who sounded the trumpet was beside me. And I said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, "The work is great and widely spread, and we are separated on the wall, far from one another. In the place where you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us."

We are so similar to Israel it's unquestionable that they are a metaphor for our walk with Christ. a good portion of the Old Testament centers around Israel's years of captivity. This time was a punishment from God for years of turning away from Him. like us they knew what was required of them, but still did what they wanted. So judgment was rendered. One part of this judgement was the devastation of the City of Jerusalem ,the holy city of Zion.(Nehemiah 11:2). It's parallel to how how God humbles us after We have sinned. But like us they were given another chance. They were allowed to return to the capital city. Upon their return they quickly went to work rebuilding the once great city. Something like how we return to the straight and narrow road after straying off the path. When they returned they found wholes in the walls and the gates missing doors. The scares on their city were a reminder of the consequences to their past sins. But like us the record of iniquities is cleaned. like the rubble of the fallen city. The wholes are fixed, and The gates are restored. While this work of tenderly is raking place. Israel's neighbors grew fearful that their power would rise with they walls. So they planned to ambusg them while they labored. This for us is like when Satan tries to assault us while we grow in Christ. So while these workers were about their Godly calling to build. they made sure they kept the tools of battle beside the tools of building. This is a lesson to us. That while We seek to build upon our faith(Jude 1:20) through studying the Scriptures, fellowshiping with others, and worshiping the Living God We should always be on guard against attacks from the Enemy. So as you take the time to build your spiritual city to the splendor We have through Christ never forget to stay armed for the fight. As much as you take in the Scriptures to build up be sure to stockpile weapons for the battle.