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We’re exploring lessons from locusts as they are described in Joel 2.7, 8:
- Like warriors they charge. Are we on offense, actively trying to make a difference?
- Like soldiers they scale the wall. Are we undeterred by obstacles?
- They march each on his way; they do not swerve from their paths.Does each of us know our job and do it? Can each of us operate within our own calling?
- They do not jostle one another; each marches in his path. Are we content to let others pursue their calling?
- They burst through the weapons and are not halted. Do we expect to be effective?
Today, let’s look at Like soldiers they scale the wall: are we undeterred by obstacles?
Whenever we attempt something significant, rest assured, there will be opposition. Nehemiah faced it in chapter 4 after the people got off to a good start building the wall in chapter 3. The Israelites gave up in the face of perceived insurmountable opposition in Numbers 13.
Then they said: “We went to the land where you sent us. It truly flows with milk and honey, and this is its fruit. Nevertheless the people who dwell in the land are strong; the cities are fortified and very large; moreover, we saw the descendants of Anak there… (the descendants of Anak came from the giants); and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight.” (Numbers 13.27 – 33, NKJV)
When we are engaging in the specific project God has called us to, how shall we respond to the inevitable opposition? Nehemiah responded with prayer and persistence (see Nehemiah 4). The Israelites in Numbers 13 succumbed to a spirit of fear. But…
God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1.7)