God's Wall Builders
Marion H. Reynolds, Jr.
April 19, 1919 - Sept. 3, 1997
©FOUNDATION Magazine Editorial, May-June 1993
IN THE OLD TESTAMENT, Nehemiah is an outstanding example of a Godly wall
builder. A careful reading of the entire Book of Nehemiah will be a great blessing and
encouragement to those who, like Nehemiah, have a sincere desire to be faithful to God
even in these perilous times. Note several things about the life, ministry, attitudes and
actions of this faithful servant of the Lord.
- He had a genuine concern for the welfare of God's people (1:3,4).
- This concern led him to fasting, prayer and the confession of his own sins and those of
the entire nation (1:4-10).
- He recognized his complete dependence upon God (1:11).
- He was ready to take action and move at God's command (2:1-4).
- He experienced immediate blessing coupled with strong opposition (2:5-10).
- He was a diligent man with a burdened heart (2:11-16).
- He challenged others to help "build up the wall" (2:17, 18).
- His enemies laughed him to scorn but he did not quit because He was trusting in God's
help (2:19, 20).
- Nehemiah's enemies continued to harass and seek to intimidate these godly wall-builders
(4:1-3), but they wisely recognized the necessity of both prayer and watchfulness (4:9),
and continued their God-ordained wall-building work even though that meant holding weapon
in one hand and a building tool in the other (4:17, 18).
- Although it required long hours of work (4:21, 23), they were not discouraged because
they knew that their God would fight for them (4:20).
In Nehemiah, chapter five, the enemies of God's people tried a new tactic-they proposed
a conference to discuss possible reconciliation (5:1,2) but Nehemiah's consistent refusal
to fall into the enemy's trap (5:3, 4) is a good and Scriptural example of how true
believers should respond to similar tactics being used today by enemies of the Gospel.
Note carefully the emphasis upon the reading and exposition of the Word of God and the
response it created in the hearts of the people (8:1-18) - sorrow for sin, rejoicing in
God's promises and obedience to God's Word. How greatly needed today is this kind of
attention to the Word of God!
Chapter twelve of the Book of Nehemiah relates the joy which comes to the obedient
people of God (12:43-47), but the concluding thirteenth chapter of this timely portion of
Scripture tells the sad story of what happens when God's people compromise, and of the
continual need for watchfulness and prompt, strong action which is necessary to preserve a
pure, faithful testimony for God.
Although material walls of the kind Nehemiah and his co-workers built are no longer
necessary, there is a greater need today than ever before to recognize the absolute
necessity of building, maintaining and repairing all God-ordained spiritual walls. This is
not easy to do in a day when the cry of the world as well as the foolish echo heard in
most churches today is, "Down with all walls. We need to build bridges rather
than walls." All kinds of false accusations are being mad against God's wall
builders today, just as they were in the days of Nehemiah. Misled by false teachers and
disobedient brethren, the spiritual walls God knows Hi people need are being called,
"outdated," "selfish," "unloving,"-yes, even
"unChristian." God's wall-builders are being accused of pride, jealousy and
stubbornness. Now, let those who love the Lord and desire to exalt His Word make sure that
none of these accusations are true. Our service for the Lord will be fruitful and blessing
to all if we are fully yielded, desiring no personal gain or glory, and purposing by God's
grace never to quit because we are in the minority.
There is another important matter to consider. Many of those who are seeking to
demolish all walls have undoubtedly been influenced by those who falsely claim that those
who live within the spiritual walls God has set up are "prisoners" who need to
be set free instead of appreciating the fact that God has provided Spiritual walls as a
wonderful protection for His obedient children. Too many professing Christians today,
having failed to understand the reason for God's spiritual walls, jump at the chance to
become "free," not realizing that the freedom which comes to those who despise
and reject God's walls is actually slavery, not freedom. 2 Peter 2:17-22. Those who live
within God's spiritual walls (Gal. 5:1 Rom.8:21), are the ones who enjoy genuine liberty.
Believing adults, young people children-yes believers of every age and situation need to
be reminded of these facts. Many spiritual tragedies are being experienced by those who
have yielded to the siren song of a pseudo liberty-away from parental authority; away from
the ministry of faithful pastors and uncompromising churches; seeking escape from
Scriptural reproof and rebuke in the false notion that, having rejected God's walls, they
can at last be free to do what they want to do when they want to do it.
Can anyone doubt that we are living in the last days before the return of Jesus Christ?
Does any believer make a mistake by rejecting the things of the world which have such an
appeal to the flesh but which will produce such tragic consequences? Fellow pastors;
fellow believers; we all face tremendous challenges and opportunities. Let us be faithful
in our own situation and then let us do whatever we can to encourage those of like faith
and conviction to stand and keep standing until our Lord returns. We must strengthen the
things which remain! Revelation 3:2.
M.H. Reynolds, Jr.
