Day 238 – Nehemiah #3

• As the work continued on the wall, Nehemiah had to deal with a problem that occured. The problem is described in the first 5 verses of Nehemiah 5, and Nehemiah’s resolution to the problem can be found between Nehemiah 5:6-13.
• What was the problem? What (apart from possibly a bad harvest) were some of the causes of the problem?
• Why was Nehemiah so angry? Was Nehemiah blameless himself? Look at verse 10 to help you.
• What did the leaders agree to do? How did Nehemiah set a good example and act honourably in Nehemiah 5:14-19?
• Sanballat (and friends), whose unhelpful deeds we have read about before, were up to their tricks again in Nehemiah 6. What was their tactic this time? Why did Nehemiah not meet up with them? It doesn’t say in the passage, but what might he have been afraid of
• Sanballat was undeterred! In his open letter (i.e. a letter which was shared with anyone who wanted to read it), what did he write? What lies and false accusations can you spot, especially in Nehemiah 6:6?
• Nehemiah visited a man named Shemaiah in Nehemiah 6:10 onwards. What did Nehemiah find out about this man after meeting with him?
• We’ve just read how Nehemiah dealt with three tactics used by his enemies (luring him away from work, spreading false rumours, and planting false advisers). He was able to identify these distractions and avoid them. What things do you think may be distracting you from your service to God? Can you spot them? More to the point, can you deal with them?

There are many distractions, good and bad, that can cause our eyes to be taken off a life lived for God. Have a think about one good thing that gets in the way of your faith, and one bad thing, and pray about both, asking God for the wisdom to spot issues and the strength to deal with them.