'I Went Out By Night'

by R. Darke, Victoria, B.C., Canada | Category: General | May 1995

These words describe Nehemiah's decision as to when he would view the disaster inflicted on his beloved Jerusalem by the enemy. Circumstances often appear exaggerated during hours of darkness, but whether it was observed by day or night, the scene was one of utter desolation and discouragement But Nehemiah obviously believed words later quoted by Messiah that 'with God all things are possible' (Mat. 19:26).

Reaction is often interesting to observe. Israel's leaders did not despair over Nehemiah's summation, but responded enthusiastically. 'Let us rise up and build', they cried (Neh. 2:18). The opposition, however, laughed scornfully, and despised any attempts to rebuild Jerusalem's walls and gates. Let us not forget that any work for God, small or great, will often be viewed by opponents with mockery and scorn. It pays to accentuate the positive and get on with the job.

So Nehemiah, the man of God and of prayer, who was so highly regarded by the Shah of Persia, Israel's conqueror, determined to become a restorer of Jerusalem. It was a mammoth task, but knowing the Lord was with him he banished thoughts of despair and discouragement, and replaced them with positive action. His determination was centred on the experience that God had put the work into his heart, and that His hand was upon him. Such assurances encourage us, too. By way of example, Paul in his darkest hour told Timothy: '...the Lord stood by me, and strengthened me' (2 Tim. 4:17). Without such a consolation from His Word we cannot prevail either. 'Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might', wrote Solomon (Eccl. 9:10). If only he had followed this dictum through to the end of his life, Israel's king would have died admired and honoured. Instead, his escutcheon, his shield of honour, was marred, stained, disgraced. Not so with Paul who finished the course triumphantly. Nor with Nehemiah, who remained to the end a man of calibre, faith, courage. They are models for us.

'I went out by night', said Nehemiah (2:13). This is a word of encouragement to us as warriors of the truth, and as today's builders of God's spiritual house and wail. In these days of darkness there is much to discourage; only a small remnant seems willing to build the spiritual house with its wall of separation, and to maintain its holy and royal priesthood service. But Nehemiah-like we must diligently pursue what can sometimes be a lonely work. Indignation and mockery were part of the price that had to be paid, but Nehemiah said: '... our God shall fight for us... So we wrought in the work ... from the rising of the morning till the stars appeared' (4:20,21). What inspiring words these

are!

Beloved, if you find the way hard and difficult, you are not alone. The enemy is ever prowling like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour, and posturing as an angel of light to deceive and lead astray. We must:

Work for the night is coming,

Under the sunset skies;

While their bright tints are glowing

Work, for daylight flies.

The One who said, 'I know thy works', also said, 'I come quickly; hold fast' (Rev. 3:8,11).

R. Darke, Victoria, B.C., Canada | May 1995
General