The Rise Of Sinful Opposition

Friday, September 16, 2011

Reading: Nehemiah 2:9-10

Reflection: It's interesting to note how quickly we are warned that Nehemiah will face opposition. This warning comes in verse 10 with the information that two men were very displeased by Nehemiah coming to seek the welfare of God's people. What I find quite interesting is the meaning of the name Sanballat. It actually comes from an Akkadian word that means "sin has given life." While one could argue that this is coincidental, it does seem to suggest something significant for us to consider. Whenever we set out to do something great for God's kingdom, sin is always crouching at the door. Sin seeks to oppose us and trip us up. Sometimes that sin lies within us and we are tempted to say or do something that will significantly damage the work of God. Sometimes that sin lies outside of us...with other people or powers that seem to oppose us at every turn. In either case, we as believers should be warned that sin is always seeking to master us. If we are going to overcome this reality, we need to make sure that we are "walking in the Spirit." As we stay within the leading of the Holy Spirit...as we stay in step with the Spirit...we will not be sheltered from sinful opposition. However, we will overcome the rise of sinful opposition and successfully fulfill the work to which God has called us.