[Note: Along with the Vanguard leaders, Marti and I are praying for, researching and creating a new way forward for this ministry. We are extremely excited about the rebuilding going on. During this short season, if I miss or am late with a Catch or two, I apologize, but rebuilding our “wall” is demanding. Years from now, other generations will benefit from the time we spent training for and developing skills to lead forward where the Lord is leading us.]
“There is a rumor among the surrounding nations, and Geshem tells me it is true, that you and the Jews are planning to rebel and that is why you are building the wall. According to his reports, you plan to be their king. He also reports that you have appointed prophets in Jerusalem to proclaim about you, ‘Look! There is a king in Judah!’ You can be very sure that this report will get back to the king [Artaxerxes], so I suggest that you come and talk it over with me.”
I replied, “There is no truth in any part of your story. You are making up the whole thing.” (Nehemiah 6:5-8)
Sanballat is at it again — trying to intimidate Nehemiah into slowing down and even stoping his work on restoring the wall of Jerusalem. A steady stream of letters from Sanballat and Tobiah keep pouring into Jerusalem not only to Nehemiah, but behind his back to many of the nobles of Judah, but this only makes Nehemiah more determined to finish what he started.
Why do you suppose Nehemiah is so motivated to rebuild this wall? Why is he so passionate?
When he first heard of the destruction of Jerusalem, Nehemiah reminded God of what Moses had said, that if you disobey me and worship other gods, I will scatter you among the nations, but if you turn back to me, “I will bring you back to the place I have chosen for my name to be honored” (1:9).
Jerusalem is the city of God. Before the New Testament when believers became the temple of the living God, it was the only dwelling place of God on earth. It was where His name was highly exalted. Knowing that, how could Nehemiah stand by and let God’s city be desecrated and God’s name be dishonored? What would happen to future generations if there was no home to return to? There would be no kingdom of God on earth. Something had to be done, and Nehemiah took it upon himself to be the one to do something about it.
Have you ever noticed how when you get started in a positive direction, the enemy tries to thwart your plans? It happens all the time. In fact, opposition is more than likely a sign that you are on the right track.
It’s important to note here that when Sanballat insults Nehemiah with his false intimidating stories, Nehemiah doesn’t waste time trying to defend himself, or correct his lies — lies that could get back to the king of Persia and jeopardize his standing with the king; he simply ignores them. He’s not concerned about what other people think of him. He is just a regular guy like you or me, bent on serving the Lord and he trusts the Lord that the truth will prevail. Anyway, it’s not about him; it’s about rebuilding the wall. Nehemiah is passionate and focused on one thing. We would do well to follow his example.
What are you passionate about, and what are you focused on?
Here at the Catch, we are passionate about developing relationships with Millennials and focused on helping equip them for the frightening but thrilling frontier that stretches out before them. They don’t know what that is, neither do those of us who remember the Jesus Movement, but the same Jesus who moved in us then is calling us now to rekindle the fire of the Holy Spirit in these young Millennials and walk with them while we can.
Your decision to become a MemberPartner today is of the utmost importance. Please pay attention to what I am going to say right now, because this is critical to our own rebuilding effort now underway.
Attention all subscribers,
Are you ready to be part of something truly revolutionary? Are you prepared to join forces with our existing MemberPartners who are actively reshaping the landscape of modern Christianity? Are you ready to build together a community of believers in whom God can dwell on this earth?
Our MemberPartners’ unwavering belief in our vision is propelling us forward with unstoppable momentum. We have been entrusted with a divine task – to equip those who witnessed or were influenced by the Jesus Movement to embrace a new paradigm of faith.
Imagine the impact we can make by teaching the original participants of the Jesus Movement how to forge meaningful relationships with today’s generation. We are bridging the gap between the past and the present, ushering in a Christianity that is relevant, inclusive, and prophetic.
This is not a small endeavor; it is a monumental shift in the course of history. And while the initiative will move forward regardless, we invite you to be an integral part of this extraordinary adventure.
A financial commitment of $20 or more makes you a MemberPartner, but your commitment is not just a financial one; it is a declaration of solidarity with a movement that is reshaping the future of faith in bringing together generations. Join us as we embark on this epic journey together.
Together, let’s make history.
Join us today.
John Fischer The Catch 
Great message. I cannot improve on this and its always good to remind folks how important it is for all generations coming together to worship God thru his Son Jesus whose courage, bravery, and sacrifice is always important to remember and his resurrection showed us life over death and was our salvation. Have a Happy and Blessed Easter.
I am the parent of children in the generation that was part of the Jesus Movement, but I was also involved, especially in the music – not only singing and playing it, but also in composition and performance. I love your songs and used them as the choir director in our church. One of our favorites was “Have You Seen Jesus, My Lord”
Since it is the Easter Season, I looked up your setting of 1 Corinthians 15 – “Death Is Swallowed Up”. I have the words but not the score. Fortunately, my memory is serving me well and I can remember the melody and the chords pretty well, but would like to have your score. But I can’t find it online. If you like, I will send you a score of what I remember. It might give you cause to praise God’s Spirit who helps our memory even after many, many years.
June Armstrong
[email protected]
I liked reading this message again especially after coming home from my Mental health therapy session this morning. One thing I always do with my therapist is talk about prayer and the word of God. We live in a society where time seems to move so fast along with technology. I would say my therapist is maybe twenty years or more younger. I mention prayer and the word is important to each and every one of us no matter the age or situation. I even pray while riding in the van on the freeway and various streets to get to the place of my appointment. riding on the freeway is just as scary at times like riding on a roller coaster going up, down, and around until coming upon the exits. I am always glad I know the Lord is in the back seat with me all the way and I always pray for the safety of other folks in vehicles whether driving or riding and you always have various ages on that. Take care, God Bless, and enjoy Wednesday today.