Key Verse: Verse 3 – “And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?"
Key Words: why should the work cease
The Gentiles had called for a meeting with Nehemiah. Nehemiah’s response was, Why should the work cease just so I can meet with you?
Now, don’t misunderstand, there are times that meetings are necessary; but meetings should not “cease” the work but rather enhance it. Meetings should result in God being glorified through the decisions that are made.
The citizens of Feldkirch, Austria, didn’t know what to do. Napoleon’s massive army was preparing to attack. Soldiers had been spotted on the heights above the little town, which was situated on the Austrian border. A council of citizens was hastily summoned to decide whether they should try to defend themselves or display the white flag of surrender. It happened to be Easter Sunday, and the people had gathered in the local church.
The pastor rose and said, "Friends, we have been counting on our own strength, and apparently that has failed. As this is the day of our Lord’s resurrection, let us just ring the bells, have our services as usual, and leave the matter in His hands. We know only our weakness, and not the power of God to defend us." The council accepted his plan and the church bells rang. The enemy, hearing the bells, concluded that the Austrian army had arrived during the night to defend the town. Before the service ended, the enemy broke camp and left.
Now, that’s my kind of meeting.
What to do:
✞ Plan so that meetings do not simply stop the work, but enhance it.
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