“Sanballat and Geshem sent unto me, saying Come, let us meet together in some one of the villages in the plain of Ono. But they thought to do me mischief. And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, while I leave it, and come down to you?” (Nehemiah 6:2-3).
What a wise servant was this man named Nehemiah. He not only labored successfully as he orchestrated and oversaw the rebuilding of the walls of ancient Jerusalem; he also was wise enough to discern the plotting of wicked men who sought to kill him. “Come let us meet together” their invitation read. “Come to the village of Ono” they said. But wise Nehemiah saw through it and replied to the meeting in Ono by more or less saying “Oh no!” There is a key lesson for each believer in this situation. In whatever assignment the Lord has given you, view yourself engaged in serving the Most High God. The enemies may sound harmless and even inviting. Be wise and resist compromise. Stay faithful and in the Lord’s strength say “Oh no!”
For today: May we be as wise and faithful as Nehemiah! The Lord will be pleased and we will be glad as well.