I have never posted a manuscript of a sermon I have presented, but I feel so compelled about this message I am sharing tomorrow from Nehemiah 4:1-14 on "Pain and Progress" that I wanted to post it. I will say that some of my notes are direct quotes from the message on the same passage by Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill Church in Seattle, Washington. I know we have several in Origins who will be away tomorrow; it is my sincere hope that they will read and let God work on them as he has on me in preparation for this message.
Nehemiah: Building Something Together
Nehemiah 4:14
Looking again today at the book of Nehemiah. Have been for the past 4 weeks and will continue to in the weeks ahead. We see that Nehemiah, a good, God-fearing Jew working an amazing job as cupbearer to the most powerful yet deeply pagan man of his day in the comfortable palace of a pagan capital called Susa. Nehemiah is writing a journal recounting his experience, finding that his hometown of Jerusalem is in disrepair and chaos and people can’t live, work, or worship because of its broken walls and gates. So he asks the king for papers to give him safe passage and abundant resources to rebuild the gates, walls, and a home for himself as well as a 12 year vacation to do so. The king of course grants it and Nehemiah heads to Jerusalem where he immediately meets Sanballat and Tobiah who apparently have great jobs that allow them to just sit around and criticize whoever they want -- especially anyone threatening their influence or power. Nehemiah gets a plan, motivates the people, puts them into strategic teams, and sets them to work. We talked about this last week as we read a list of names that, I am sure for you, was the highlight both of the book thus far and of your week in general.
So today we are going to read again about Nehemiah’s dear friends with the gift of negativity and discouragement, Sanballat and his friend, Tobiah. And we are going to address the fact that the price of progress is always pain. We know this to be true. I go to the Kroc Center, and it was a little emptier this week. Gunther and Matthew are trainers. (If you need a trainer, talk to these guys -- they are passionate about Jesus first and then whipping people into shape second.) Gunther, people slowing down on their resolutions? Because the price of progress is pain. You see this in a million areas in life, and we will talk about that today. Its true of your life and of our church and of our city. Its true in all areas of life so let’s call a spade a spade. But before we do, let’s read God’s Word and then pray together.
1 Now when Sanballat heard that we were building the wall, he was angry and greatly enraged, and he jeered at the Jews. 2 And he said in the presence of his brothers and of the army of Samaria (This is the land he’s from, and these are his countrymen), “What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they restore it for themselves? Will they sacrifice? Will they finish up in a day? Will they revive the stones out of the heaps of rubbish, and burned ones at that?” 3 Tobiah the Ammonite was beside him, and he said, “Yes, what they are building—if a fox goes up on it he will break down their stone wall!” (Comedian. Let’s talk about him a second. He has a Jewish name. So people assume he is a Jew who has heard of God’s work and maybe even seen it but now that the big guy in town, Sanballat, is barking, Tobiah starts barking too. He loves God...just not as much as he loves his position or reputation. So “he has the jersey, he just isn’t on the team.” In our day and time, he’s the one who “believes in God” and “is a good person” but won’t commit or take a stand and basically sits around criticizing all Christians and churches, picks the Bible apart, and basically lives like he wouldn’t know Jesus at all. He shows up for church every now and then, but you can’t count on him. He shows up for Community Group and maybe even throws out an answer occasionally, but we really know nothing about him because he doesn’t want us to. I need to stop before this gets worse. He claims to love God but no one would ever know it. He wants all the benefits of being in a church or in the faith with no commitments that come with it. That’s Tobiah...and that’s so many in our city -- and possibly so many in our church, Origins -- but none of you because you’re here today. Now, I love Nehemiah’s prayer that he records right here. I love a good honest prayer, no Christianese. No flowery language or shooting the bull with God) 4 Hear, O our God, for we are despised. Turn back their taunt on their own heads and give them up to be plundered in a land where they are captives. 5 Do not cover their guilt, and let not their sin be blotted out from your sight, for they have provoked you to anger in the presence of the builders (He doesn’t pray he can get revenge but that God’s name will be esteemed and worshiped; he leaves it in God’s hands).
6 So we built the wall (Never says a word about them responding. Just, “We kept building the wall. Some threats don’t even deserve a response. Stay the course). And all the wall was joined together to half its height (Half-way done), for the people had a mind to work.
7 But when Sanballat and Tobiah (to the North) and the Arabs (to the South) and the Ammonites (to the East) and the Ashdodites (to the West, they have them surrounded, critics and enemies on every side who have been bullying the Jews for decades and aren’t happy that the time of bullying is coming to a close. Bullies never give up without a fight. Ever tried to kick a habit? Tried to start a new habit? Tried to end a toxic relationship? Never goes without a fight) heard that the repairing of the walls of Jerusalem was going forward and that the breaches were beginning to be closed, they were very angry. 8 And they all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and to cause confusion in it. 9 And we prayed to our God and set a guard as a protection against them day and night.
10 In Judah it was said, “The strength of those who bear the burdens is failing. There is too much rubble. By ourselves we will not be able to rebuild the wall.” 11 And our enemies said, “They will not know or see till we come among them and kill them and stop the work.” 12 At that time the Jews who lived near them (the people in the country who sent or allowed their relatives and friends and others to come work on the wall) came from all directions and said to us ten (TEN!) times, “You must return to us.” 13 So in the lowest parts of the space behind the wall, in open places, I stationed the people by their clans, with their swords, their spears, and their bows. 14 And I looked and arose and said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome (God first), and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes (God first, family second -- because some things are worth fighting and dying for and Nehemiah understood what was most important to the people).”
Pain and Progress
- Anger will often be the world’s response to God’s work because it challenges worldview, values, and lifestyle
Sanballat and Tobiah are not happy with what is happening. They are watching this wall (45 sections) and the gates (10) being repaired by 40 determined crews who have been their victims for a long time. And they are shocked. Can’t you see the looks on their faces when they see what is happening? And they are angry. The Bible says they were “enraged.” They question the Jews’ character (“feeble”), their motives (“for themselves,” not God), their ability (“finish in a day”) and the quality of their work (“revive the stones” and “foxes will break it down”). When something good happens, anger will often be the response, especially to God’s work. There are some godly men here in our city who have started or revived some great churches. I think of Josh Bradley who has taken heat in Woodruff for loving people and inviting them to Jesus who the church has overlooked for decades. I think of Walt Tanner in Fountain Inn who is one of my heroes who has loved those on “the other side of the tracks” to the dismay of some established churches.
When God works, anger is the response -- much like Sanballat and Tobiah. And I don’t just mean in churches either. Some of you are right there on par spiritually with your coworkers or friends or family or even your spouse. You get excited about Jesus and watch what will happen. Start reading your Bible, coming to worship or being in a Community Group, start sharing your faith...start giving. Watch what will happen. The temperature will rise around you. People who thought you were great up until now will suddenly not be so fond of you because you will be challenging their worldview, values, or lifestyle. They will get angry. There’s an old hymn:
I have decided to follow Jesus
I have decided to follow Jesus
I have decided to follow Jesus
No turning back, no turning back
The world behind me, the Cross before me
The world behind me, the Cross before me
The world behind me, the Cross before me
No turning back, no turning back
Though none go with me, still I will follow
Though none go with me, still I will follow
Though none go with me, still I will follow
No turning back, no turning back
The path to follow Jesus is often a lonely one. Why? Because God’s work challenges the world’s lifestyles, attitudes, values, worldview. Be prepared that when God works, the response is often anger -- often both from “pagans” like Sanballat and “Christians” like Tobiah -- which leads me to the second point from today’s passage.
- No threats from the Enemy usually means you’re no threat to the Enemy
Beware when you have no enemies. No threats from the Enemy usually means you’re no threat to the Enemy. Why would he mess with someone who is no threat to his order, to his kingdom, to his work? Or better yet, why would he take out someone who is doing his work? Some of you who are really seeking Jesus come to me and say, “Boy, JD, the Enemy is really pounding on me. Do you know how bad this situation is, the temptation I am facing, the unjust suffering or persecution I am dealing with?” This isn’t for those who are making their own messes, walking stupidly into temptation or provoking others but for those really seeking Jesus and trying to live for him. Take heart; I am proud of you. The Enemy wouldn’t be coming at you if posed no threat to his work. Stay the course. Sanballat and Tobiah go gather friends in all directions around Jerusalem and they surround the city. Now, Nehemiah realizes that God is at work, the wall is being built, people will soon be able to -- in peace -- worship God, get married, make babies, revive the economy, be a light to the surrounding area. He isn’t surprised these clowns are back, and you shouldn’t be surprised when attacks come if you are living for God. Take courage. Opposition always arises when you are -- or God is -- doing something.
Beware the guy or the lady or the church who has no enemies. If everyone loves you, then clearly they don’t know what you’re about. If everyone loves your convictions, then you probably have none or at least haven’t lived them out well. The person with no critics is probably the one lying on the couch at home watching tv, just coasting by, just existing. One of my heroes Jim Eliot, a missionary martyred in South America in the 1950s, once prayed -- and this isn’t an exact quote but its pretty close, “Lord make me a fork in the road so when people see my life they have to make a decision about which way they will go, especially concerning Jesus Christ.” I want some in our city to be angry about the way I live out my faith, share the Gospel, spend my money, love my family, pastor my family, spend my time. Beware the person with no enemies; he probably has no convictions either.
Listen, our church needs to be more involved in the community, in the arts, in the pubs, in the theatres, in the marketplace and work spaces. We need to be sharing the Gospel and sharing our lives more than we currently are. You think the Enemy and his cronies are going to take that lying down? You think they will give us, give you, a pass? Man up. Don’t be surprised when the Enemy threatens your life or our church. Get in the game. Fight the good fight.
- In a moment of fear, don’t lose sight of God
Nehemiah, while the enemies are making threats, chooses first to pray. In a moment of fear, choose to place your eyes on God and not on everything else around you. The people don’t quite do this; in their moment of fear, they look at the task ahead, the critics and bullies, and even their whining family members. Easy to do that. Not Nehemiah. Be like Nehemiah. Think about the story of Peter walking on the water. When Peter asked Jesus to walk on the water, he was fine as long as he looked at Jesus. When he looked at the waves and felt the wind on his skin and was reminded of the storm and took his eyes off Jesus, he began to sink. In a moment of fear, don’t lose sight of God.
Get a bad report at the doctor’s office, don’t lose sight of God.
Have a bad day or month or year at work, don’t lose sight of God.
Bank account gets really low and the number is red not black, don’t lose sight of God.
Hear negativity from a critic, don’t lose sight of God.
Whatever you’re facing, don’t lose sight of God.
Hebrews 12:2-3: “Look to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.”
Remember the mission: Make Jesus’ name great. Not your name, not my name. Not your portfolio. Not your resume. Not your bank account. Not your whatever. Not Greenville. Not even Origins. Jesus. Make his name great. In a moment of fear, don’t lose sight of God or the mission. Make Jesus’ name great.
- Whether God will be worshiped in the future is dependent on those who worship him today
There’s more at stake for Nehemiah and the people than just them building this wall. For 141 years, the walls have been torn down, the gates absent or in disrepair, and the people unable to live, work, serve, play, and worship God in peace. Person after person has stepped up to fix it and all of them failed, faltered, or abandoned the work. When it got tough, they bailed. Not Nehemiah, not this time. The armies of the enemies are surrounding the city, threatening to infiltrate and attack, and end this project before its done. So Nehemiah does four things with the threat at hand: he prays (4:9), sets a guard as protection (4:9), gives a speech to refocus the troops (4:14), and puts the family members -- sons and daughters and wives -- alongside those protecting the city (4:14). I am confident this served as a good reminder that what would happen in Jerusalem in the future -- in the lives of these kids -- would be dependent on what happened in these days. Verse 9 is a great verse. “And we prayed to our God...” That’s good. That’s a good thing. “...and we set a guard as a protection against them day and night.” Nehemiah says, “ We prayed about it and then we used some common sense to make sure we continue moving forward.” Listen, God’s people shouldn’t pick a fight, and they shouldn’t lose one either. When the enemy prepared to attack, Nehemiah got ready to fight because he knew the future was dependent on this present moment.
And the same is true for us today. How and why God will be worshiped in the future of Origins and Greenville is dependent on how we live and worship today. Want a city that’s apathetic to God, unconcerned about the lost, greedy for selfish gain, sexually immoral, isolated with no community? Live that way today. Or just stay silent. How you live today contributes to how our city will be in a generation.
“One generation after the next for 141 years had seen frail, weak, imprudent, cowardly men, who at some point when it started to hurt too much, tapped out and quit. Nehemiah’s looking his men in the eye, as I would look you men in the eye, and say that the burden of responsibility begins with us. This leads to the last point today.
- Pain is the price of progress
The people hear this critique from Sanballat and Tobiah and see these people now preparing to attack Jerusalem to keep them living in a New Orleans with no levees. Their families and countrymen get scared. Look at verse 10. They were half done and saw that the work was going to get harder because now you’re replacing stones about 8 to 10 feet high rather than at ground and eye level. “The work is too hard.” And the enemies are threatening to infiltrate and kill them while they work. And the families and friends are saying, “Come home.” And they have a choice to make. Quit and go home or stay and fight.
Pain is the price for progress, period. That’s how it is. You want to have progress financially -- you want to get out of debt, get ahead, be able to breathe? You want progress physically? You want progress spiritually and to see God work in you, on you, through you, to stop failing at your pet sin, to share the Gospel, to get some victories? You want progress relationally, progress maritally, progress in regards to your career? You want emotional healing? You new dads want to raise your daughters to be chaste? You want to raise your sons to be noble? It will cost you, and that price is pain. It’s financial pain. It’s physical pain. It’s emotional pain. Pain: that’s the price to be paid for progress.
And the great lie that is continually told is that there can be progress with no pain. You can have an easy, carefree life. You can make money without working. You can be married without conflict. You can raise children without effort. You can worship God without sacrifice. It’s a lie. It’s the same lie that Satan told Jesus. He came to Jesus and said, “Jesus, no need to suffer. No need to die. No need to go to the cross. There’s a shortcut to progress that requires no pain. All you must do is worship me.” Satan continually offers himself as the false God of comfort, and it only leads to death. It does not lead to the worship of God.
There’s no nobility. There’s no courage. There is no legacy in it. Some of you worship the God of comfort. When it comes to sexual purity, you choose pleasure, not Christ. When it comes to finances, you choose convenience and not Christ. When it comes to ministry or sharing the Gospel, you choose whatever is your other God. That’s where your time and your energy and your money and your devotion and your heart go. That’s where your marriage will go. That’s where your children will go. And one day when you’re older and have them, that’s where your grandkids will go, and it’s death. There’s no life. There is no progress without pain.
I stood this week at the graveside of Mr. Edward Elrod, Kevin’s and Matthew’s granddad. I listened to Kevin tell some great stories about his granddad and the life he lived and passed on to his family. I listened to Matthew talk about leaving a legacy rather than just living a life. He loved his wife and his kids and grandkids, and this week he passed away and stepped into eternity. And it reminds me of these people in Nehemiah. They didn’t have comfort, but they had a legacy. And the God of the Bible was worshiped in that city that day, and every day forward because some people took a stand, some people got ready to fight, some people decided that “good enough” was no longer good enough. They wanted God’s best.
God’s very best. His name is Jesus. I invite you to Jesus. I don’t invite you to comfort. Here’s the great lie, that you can have a life of comfort. Some of you have tried and it’s failed and that’s why you’re here. You’ve tried just getting high and getting laid and getting rich and sleeping in and getting drunk and being happy and making money and finishing your degree and pursuing all of your idols. And it is not making you happy. You’re not comfortable. You’re afflicted. God is relentless, compelling you to toward repentance, new life, and more.
Our suffering is not pointless. It’s not purposeless. It’s fruitful. It’s for legacy. It’s for tomorrow. That’s why Scripture says to fix our eyes on Jesus. Consider him who
endured such opposition so that we don’t grow weary and lose heart, we don’t tap out because it hurts. We play hurt, and we continue forward paying the price of pain to see the fruit of progress. There’s a reason the word disciple and the word discipline come from the same Greek root word. You have to fight for God’s very best; Paul says, “I beat my body into submission to Jesus Christ.”
Today, I invite you to the Lord Jesus, not the false god comfort who is really nothing more than Satan in disguise. Jesus understood that comfort was no god, so he followed the Father’s will all the way to a cross where he would die naked and alone to purchase our pardon and freedom and new life that we so often just take for granted. Today, as one who has been down the road of suffering and faith, he -- not me -- is calling you to the hardest life that there could possibly be. That is acknowledging that there is one God, that you are not that God, and that you are to live for the glory of that God, because that is what you made for. And apart from that, you’ll have no joy because you will not be doing what God has made you to do. And you will not be comfortable. He will continually afflict you because God will not allow you to settle for anything less than his glory and your joy, and those are exactly the same thing. Give your heart and life to Jesus today.
