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Nehemiah 5:1-19

Sometimes it is necessary to get angry!

“Then I was VERY ANGRY when I had heard their outcry and these words.” (v. 6) What changed?

  • When he heard of the desperate state of things back home and the despair of his people, he wept in sorrow and went to prayer.
  • When the leaders of the neighborhood opposed him, he simply pressed on.
  • When some community dignitaries elected took a “non-participation,” he simply recorded their inactivity and rallied the forces.
  • When security became an issue, he adjusted the strategy, armed the workers, and went on building.
  • When defections began among the workers, he reminded them of the great and awesome God they served.

Opposition had come from multiple sources and in a variety of directions. But through it all, he prayed, pointed others to the Lord, and stayed on task. But he never became angry. What changed?

When pursuing the purposes of God, we naturally expect that there will be push-back from those who do not embrace Him. They are not called His “enemies” for no cause. Opposition is natural in that His plans and purposes are foreign to them. When we don’t get 100% buy-in from those we lead, we are totally taken by surprise. New endeavors and fresh challenges tend to shake up established structures and threaten fixed positions. No surprise that some choose the posture of non-participation. And when things get tough and teammates grow tired and discouraged, we naturally anticipate that some adjustments will be needed and words of encouragement become timely. After-all, doing the work of the Lord is demanding, challenging, yes, even tiring. Any leader worth his pay-grade is prepared to navigate through such challenges in the pursuit of the task assigned.

But when injustice and exploitation raises its ugly head, the time has come for anger! When the opposition is suddenly coming from WITHIN the community of faith rather than from OUTSIDE the circle of fellowship, someone must speak up. “There are times in which anyone with a shred of moral principle should be profoundly angry. We live in such times!” Francis Schaeffer

Suddenly the great leader, Nehemiah, becomes aware of brotherly abuse among the ranks. Division is threatening the community. And more pressing than completing the wall is rebuilding the people. Something must be done. Someone must respond. Somehow the wrong must be righted. So in righteous indignation but with controlled emotion, the matter is brought out of the shadows and laid bare in the bold light of day. “The thing you are doing is not good; should you not walk in the fear of our God because of the reproach of the nations, our enemies?” (v.9) Injustice. Exploitation. Brotherly abuse. The name of the glorious Lord was being shamed by their division.

Want to know how to make GOD “very angry?” Just start dividing the community of faith! “Six things God hates, yes, seven which are an ABOMINATION to Him…(#7) One who spreads strife among brothers!” Proverbs 6:16-19

So…

  • Is there some injustice that ought to stir “righteous indignation” in you but you are simply choosing the posture of non-participation? Is God calling YOU into action to right a wrong?

Or…

  • Are you personally involved in getting God stirred up? Are you party to a schism among the Body? Are there some relational cracks that the Spirit is stirring you to mend?

Sometimes it IS necessary to get angry. Just be sure you are angry about the right thing!

See you Sunday, Church!
Pastor Tom