Contemplative Bible Reading

Nehemiah 6:15-16 (New Living Translation)

15 So on October 2 the wall was finished—just fifty-two days after we had begun. 16 When our enemies and the surrounding nations heard about it, they were frightened and humiliated. They realized this work had been done with the help of our God.

Those exiles who returned to Jerusalem had finished repairing the wall of the city in 52 days. Their enemies were frightened and humiliated.

It wasn’t the speed of accomplishing so large a task that troubled the enemies. The enemies realized the work of God. God the Creator (Jehovah) had helped this band of folks who had little means to accomplish anything.

If God would help this people do this, what else would God do for them?

We learn that it can be frightening to realize that God acts here and now, right in front of us.

We also learn that it can be humiliating for enlightened persons who think that all this “silly God superstition stuff” isn’t silly or superstition, but is real and right in front of us and undeniable. Uh, what? That’s real? I just thought it was…

“Give me a sign. Show me,” is sometimes heard. Signs and shows, however, can scare folks out of their skin and dump a large dose of humility on their head. And when they come trembling and humble to me for advice, I pray that I will react with fear and humility and thankfulness for the gifts from God.