'Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid'

 

NEHEMIAH RETURNED TO the ruins of Jerusalem to restore the city...

 

He rallied the remnant people of Israel, and they immediately began rebuilding the wall.  Several naysayers and antagonistic groups attempted to intimidate the workers and stall the work.  Then word came to Nehemiah and his workers that the enemies were about to attack.  Listen to the anxious voices around Nehemiah:

 

We are exhausted: "The strength of the laborers is giving out, and there is so much rubble that we cannot build the wall."

 

We are doomed: "Our enemies said, 'Before they know it or see us, we will be right there among them and will kill them and put an end to the work.'"

 

We are outnumbered: "Then the Jews who lived near them came and told us ten times over 'Wherever you turn, they will attack us.'"

 

The situation became highly charged with anxiety: Nehemiah's workers were anxious.  The antagonists also became anxious, fearing the Jews might actually succeed in rebuilding the wall and take power.

 

However, rather than joining in the anxious fray of his people and of their enemies, Nehemiah remained calm, creative, and focus on the goal.  He calmed his people's fears and then galvanized them to action.  In fifty-two days the wall stood at its full height.  Rather than freeze, flee, or even fight, Nehemiah led his people through the emotional pain to which they subjected themselves and accomplished the task.  (Jon Mullican)

 

"But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'Be of good cheer!  It is I; do not be afraid'" (Matthew 14:27).

 

--Mike Benson