The Secret of Success in the Work of the Lord
Nehemiah 4:6
So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together to the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work.


I. THAT WE HAVE A GREAT AND AN IMPORTANT WORK DEVOLVING UPON US: to aid in raising the world from the ruins of the fall, and restoring it to something of its former order and beauty, that the Lord may dwell among us. This work has been committed to the Church. It is her high corn, mission. This work must commence with our own hearts.

II. THAT THIS WORK MUST RE ENGAGED IN WITH CONSECRATED ZEAL AND ACTIVITY.

III. THE DILIGENT USE OF ALL APPOINTED MEANS. Nehemiah having set his heart upon his work, judiciously employed every means calculated to promote it.

1. Let us stimulate each other to engage vigorously and unitedly in this work. Generally speaking, there is only a small fraction of every Church that engages actively in the great purposes of religion.

2. Having brought all the truly pious up to a proper point, we should then address ourselves, every one to his proper sphere of labour.

IV. THAT IN THE USE OF MEANS THE WORK MUST BE FOLLOWED UP WITH FORTITUDE AND PERSEVERANCE. Such was the perseverance of the Jews in rebuilding the walls, that they never pulled off their clothes, except for the means of cleanliness, during the whole of the work; but continued night and day working. There was no time for delay or indulgence.

V. THAT TO INSURE THE SUCCESSFUL ISSUE OF THE WORK, THERE MUST BE AN ENTIRE DEPENDENCE ON THE BLESSING OF GOD. Here was the grand secret of Nehemiah's success. He first sought Divine direction, then employed the means, and then implored the Divine blessing. In no other way can we account for the rapid progress of the work, and its successful issue in so short a time.

(G. Richards.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work.

WEB: So we built the wall; and all the wall was joined together to half [the height] of it: for the people had a mind to work.




Rebuilding of the Walls of Jerusalem
Top of Page
Top of Page