Lobbyists of Lies

Nehemiah 6:19 ESV

“Also they spoke of his good deeds in my presence and reported my words to him. And Tobiah sent letters to make me afraid.”

After struggling with all your might, you finally crawl to the top of the crest and find another crest to climb. What was supposed to be over seems to have matured into a battle as deadly or more so than the first. For fifty years biblical Christians have sought to overturn Roe v. Wade, and it happened. Such was the jubilant high that was felt at the beginning of the summer. By the end of summer, it was becoming apparent that the cause of life was going to remain a challenge for the faithful ministers of God’s grace. At the beginning of Spring leaders of one side were threatening the Judicial branch and now the other side is making derisive comments about the constitution. The times are dark indeed!

Nehemiah had just finished the wall. He had suffered threats and provocations. Extraordinary effort and novel solutions were required but the wall was complete and he was left short of people to fill it! No longer were his efforts a point of derision and mocking, the little project in Jerusalem was a danger to those in charge. It wasn’t finished but it was close. Threats, rumors, and planned hostility, were not enough so new lines of attack were chosen. Many in the region weren’t hostile to the work but were “bound by oath” to Tobiah and his cause. And so, they began the work of subverting the people. Lobbying workers and supervisors against the work. Subverting the work that still needed accomplished. Nehemiah had just accomplished a great work and now more work was upon him. The spiritual attack had begun as Tobiah’s “good deeds” were recounted. All his counsel was given to the enemy, his wisdom in going out alone to evaluate the wall is showing itself.  The lobbyists and spies in his court then the letter campaign starts!

My roommate in college would often make the comment that “I know God won’t give me more than I can handle. I just wish he didn’t have such a high opinion of me!” (Referencing 1 Corinthians 10:13) Such was his opinion of the temptations, challenges, and ups and downs of life. Like my roommate it is easy to become forlorn at the battles and skirmishes that are allotted to us. Godless Political parties, waning biblical influence, declining morality, all press God’s people to suffer as Lot suffered in Sodom. Tormented by what is being done in the light, not even reserved for darkness! Sodom, Gomorrah, and Gibeah (Judges 19) at least hid their debauchery with the cover of darkness, not paraded through Libraries in broad daylight!

Nehemiah began his journey when he heard of the shame of Jerusalem. “As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven.” (Neh 1:4) When the scope of the shame comes upon us it is right to be overwhelmed and seek God for wisdom. Yet, as he has been fighting awhile now, he simply persists in the task set before him. Men who he thought were on his side have been bought, others who he thought strong have fled the field, yet he persists in wisdom and discretion. Not taking the bait, he presses himself into the task.

The moral Character of our co-combatants has shown itself as Mormonism has chosen to flee the field of morality to make peace with the “Respect for Marriage Act” and many might choose to flee with them, being bound by oath, to other gods. “For such a time as this” Easter was told, when she feared the moment that lay before her. Like Easter and my friend, it is easy to “wish God didn’t have such a high opinion of me” but to this the question must be asked, “What kind of challenge is worthy of the Sons of God?” What enemies are strong enough to press and push God’s people to reveal the glory that he has sown in them? Did I assume all the “good works God has prepared in advance for us to do” (Eph 2:10) were simple and easy?

Let us not grow weary at the moment. Neither let us rejoice in the battle but in the moment given that we might show the greatness of our king. I rejoice in my brothers that gave blood in the coliseum, that left all to pursue the lost in India and China, that died on boats bound for unknown places, that was their time, this is ours. Brothers and Sisters do not lose heart at the battles you find yourself in. God’s children are made for these times to bring glory to their father in heaven. No matter how old or young you are until your work on earth is done and you are called home this is your time.

Corum Deo