With the internal struggles and oppression among the Hebrews dealt with, Nehemiah’s attention is turned, once again, to the completion of the wall. The wall is almost done, but there was a final effort from external enemies to oppose the work in the city of Jerusalem, by harming, intimidating and discrediting Nehemiah. Nehemiah’s singular focus on God’s mission, in the face of opposition, shows us how to resist distraction, temptation, and disobedience to God’s call on our life, for his mission.

Key Texts: Nehemiah 6:1-14; James 3:1; 1 Timothy 5:19-20; 1 Peter 5:8