Sword and Trowel

As the rebuilding of the walls progresses, the mocking turns into fury. Opposition to the work intensifies to plotting and fighting against it. Nehemiah leads the people to pray and station guards – saying to them, “Don’t be afraid. Remember the great and awe-inspiring Lord.” Each builder strapped a sword around his waist while building – working with a tool in one hand and a sword in the other.

Jesus sent his disciples into the world in Matthew 10 predicting a very similar thing. “Look, I’m sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore, be as shrewd as serpents and as innocent as doves.” Through Christ, the Lord is rebuilding Eden’s broken walls. He is putting our decayed hearts back together. But we are still surrounded by the brokenness and decay of sin. That sin will inspire hostile opposition to the gospel in the hearts of others. What does it look like for us to be alert without being fearful? To be on guard without being defensive? How do we “carry a sword” (Luke 22:36-37) and put on the full armour of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) without foolishly wielding it like Peter did in the garden (Matthew 26:52)?