QT: Open Persuasion required... Nehemiah4:13–14 Week 28: 07/07/2023. Fri
Self doubt becomes pathetic when His people do not think their own values, self-worth and testimonies or message are of any standing in the world that they live in.
Nehemiah 4:13–14 So in the lowest parts of the space behind the wall, in open places, I stationed the people by their clans, with their swords, their spears, and their bows. [14] And I looked and arose and said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.” (ESV)
Not for Nehemiah and the people under threat that are with him. Nehemiah stationed people in visible and lower places of the wall. Indeed, Luke 11:33 reminds us that "No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a cellar or under a basket, but on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light."
Nehemiah's enemies would have to contend with the visible weapons displayed, and other non-visible weapons behind the visible walls. Behind the message proclaimed by The LORD's people is the LORD Himself, His everlasting truth that applies to all—the everlasting standards of His character and the consequential moral standards by which He would judge the world and reward the faithful.
There is no need for rudeness to accompany open persuasions by God's people. Speeches seasoned with salt would suffice. On the other hand, there comes a point where the message of the LORD itself would sting. Any seasoning of speech must not water down or change the essence of the core of those contents of persuasion.
Nevertheless, with such a good outcome destined, it is no wonder that Nehemiah proclaimed "Do not be afraid of them. Remember the LORD, who is great and awesome" (4:14).
