Separation Without Compromise

by T. M. Hyland | Category: The Return From Babylon: | Oct 1956

(Nehemiah, chapters 6 and 7)

Men who essay to serve God in any age must be prepared to face continuous opposition. This is the verdict of history and finds ample confirmation in the record we have been following during the past few months. This opposition is inspired by the arch-enemy of God, Satan, and it is well for us in our day to be continually reminded of it.

We have observed the variety of the opposition directed against the servants of God and the subtlety of the methods employed. Frequently a work of God has prospered and flourished against open Opposition only to be undermined later by more subtle meth4ds. Hence the need for constant care and vigilance. The wisdom of Nehemiah in countering the various manoeuvres of his enemies marks him out as a shining example of a man dedicated to the work of God in his day. With selfless singleness of purpose he pressed on in the service of God, and of his fellows, undeterred alike by reproach and flattery, by ridicule and misrepresentation, by conspiracy and threats of violence; risking all in noble purpose of the restoration of God's people to Himself and to their God-given inheritance. Such men are, indeed, rare and priceless

Chapter 6 of Nehemiah records the completion of the great task of rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem in 52 days. This was a grand achievement and a milestone in the history of the Remnant. Having failed in their many attempts to prevent it, the enemies of Judah were in no mood to "let bygones be bygones." Sanballat and his confederates now made a determined attempt to entice Nehemiah away from his responsibilities in Jerusalem. Their plot was frustrated. They next attempted to set him in fear by charging him with being the leader of a rebellious movement. With this allegation came further pressure to parley. Nehemiah stood firm. Ungodly men, unprincipled, striving for power and prepared to go to any lengths to obtain it, are incapable of appreciating the purity of motive which actuates a man of Nehemiah's calibre. Self interest and compromise have no place in his strategy. There are no matters relating to the prosecution of the work of God which need to be discussed with the enemies of God's people. No common ground exists; no accommodation is possible. Nehemiah's policy of complete separation reveals his insight into the character and ways of God and his grasp of the lessons of the history of his people.

Not only did Nehemiah need to withstand the attacks of the enemies of Judah from without, he bad also to contend with false prophets among his own people (chapter 6.10-14). This mean attempt to ensnare and discredit him by trickery failed, but it revealed that the enemy outside had powerful allies within. And those nobles of Judah who kept up a treasonable correspondence with the enemy and sought to advance his cause by influencing Nehemiah in his favour were a continual thorn in Nehemiah's side. Such conduct has frequently been a source of anxiety to the leaders of God's people. Treachery within is one of the sorest trials they have to endure. Nehemiah's sad plaint-" Remember, 0 my God "-has been reechoed many times since, by men of God in similar circumstances.

Jerusalem was now a walled city and Nehemiah proceeded with the next step towards effective government. lie appointed the porters, the singers and the Levites to guard the walls and the doors. He found a faithful man to take charge of the city and gave instructions for the complete control of entry and exit. The confusion which prevailed called for extreme measures and Nehemiah did not hesitate to apply them.

The next undertaking was a census of the nobles, the rulers and the people. Nehemiah discovered and used the register of those who returned from Babylon to Jerusalem some years previously with Zerubbabel and Jeshua. Not all survived this enquiry. Certain claims to priestly privilege were found to be spurious and those affected were presumed to be polluted and expelled from the priesthood. Although the Remnant was weak numerically Nehemiah would not tolerate co-operation from those whose bonafides were in doubt. Such measures were, no doubt, unpopular with many, and Nehemiah was regarded as extreme and intolerant, but the success of the reformation he was leading depended upon whether or not he would apply divine principles without fear or favour.

The lesson of all this is clear. Firstly, we observe the value of godly leadership. Men who have spiritual vision, a firm grasp of the purposes of God and a selfless dedication to His service are indispensible to God's people. Such men, like Nehemiah, will be fearless in the face of the enemy and firm with those within who would undermine the work of God by a policy of compromise. Over against this they will need at all times to take care lest stubbornness takes the place of loyalty to divine principles. History is not wanting in examples of spiritual leaders who erred in this respect. After being valiant for divine truth in the face of the enemy they became overbearing and unreasonable with their fellows on personal issues. No such blemish besmirches the memory of Nehemiah. His example stands in the divine record as a man of God unaffected by considerations of personal prestige or self-aggrandizement.

Frequently during the past few months in this series of articles a comparison has been drawn between present-day conditions and those prevailing in the days of Ezra and Nehemiah. One very disturbing element in much Christian activity today is the tendency to sacrifice truth for expediency. "The faith which was once for all delivered unto the saints" remains the blue-print of divine operations to which we must ever return for authoritative guidance, in the prosecution of God's work. While there is at present considerable evangelical activity with a popular appeal, at the same time many professed believers are advocating policies and pursuing objectives which are clearly opposed to the teaching of our Lord and His apostles. Those who would go back to the divine basis for Christian activity are generally regarded as narrow-minded and a hindrance to progress. It is all very solemn and perplexing and presents a serious challenge to the loyal-hearted disciple. Must he stifle the voice of conscience, set aside the plain teaching of our Lord and His apostles and throw in his lot with those who seem prepared to sacrifice divine truth for human expediency?

On such questions as these we believe the narratives of Ezra and Nehemiah have an important hearing. A small, despised, and numerically weak movement, struggling against great opposition, was in the line of God's purpose. Popularity, and what appear to be spectacular results, are not necessarily the criterion of divine approval.

It becomes us all to "take our bearings." As Nehemiah realized the need to go back to the divine basis of the Law of Moses so must we return to "the faith which was once for all delivered unto the saints." And we shall find, as did he, the need for separation without compromise. Without minimizing the difficulties of these. perplexing days, let us encourage each other, with true humility, avoiding pride or rancour, to keep before us the New Testament pattern of a people together for God forming His House on earth, wherein He may be served and from whence may radiate divine light and truth to others.

T. M. Hyland | Oct 1956
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