Jerusalem had a wall

[OhhJim]

A random thought occured to me the other day: God promised to protect Israel. God DID protect Israel on several occasions, most notably by destroying the Assyrian army. What on earth did Jerusalem need a defensive wall for, when they had the creator of the universe on their side?

And yet, God evidently approved of the wall. The story of Nehemiah would support this viewpoint, as well as the fact that God never scolded the Israelites about the wall. But why would God approve of them relying on their own strength, instead of relying on God?

I don't know the answer. I don't know enough about the details to say for sure. But, is it possible that, while God will certainly do miracles from time to time, as it pleases Him, that the rest of the time He wants us to do things for ourselves? Could it be that He wants us to go out and find our own spouse, instead of sitting around waiting for Him to deliver? Could it be that He doesn't have someone created just for us? It seems to me that, if God expected Israel to defend themselves whenever they could, perhaps He expects us to find our own mate, based on the guidelines He has given.

 

[JPPT1974]

The Lord does do miracles but if we have the guts to wait on Him to do so in His will and time and not ours because we have to lean on Him to do so. If we did so in our own free will and time then what happens if it all goes awry.

 

[Sketcher]

But why would God approve of them relying on their own strength, instead of relying on God?

It wasn't relying on their own strength.

"Don't be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes." - Nehemiah 4:14b

The preparation was an act of faith. They believed God would protect them, so they prepared to fight. Otherwise they would have scattered. As long as you act on faith that God will do what He says He will do, that is not a problem. The problem is when you abandon God and do things because you don't believe He is with you. Then you are in big trouble.

 

[kelco]

I don't know the answer. I don't know enough about the details to say for sure. But, is it possible that, while God will certainly do miracles from time to time, as it pleases Him, that the rest of the time He wants us to do things for ourselves? Could it be that He wants us to go out and find our own spouse, instead of sitting around waiting for Him to deliver? Could it be that He doesn't have someone created just for us? It seems to me that, if God expected Israel to defend themselves whenever they could, perhaps He expects us to find our own mate, based on the guidelines He has given.

Ancient Hillbilly Proverb-The Lord helps those that help themselves.

 

[2Timothy2]

We are called to be faithful, but not to be foolish. God also promises to provide our every need, are we then to cease shopping for food, or in their case, hunting/farming? I know you wouldn't say that, it's just an illustration of the fact that we have some responsibilities. Walls back then were a rather prudent defensive measure. Of course, God could have protected them without a wall, and He certainly punished them even though they had the wall. I think it was just part of their every day life, cities had defensive walls.

 

[Tenorvoice]

I think that this sermon that I heard earlier this week may help a little bit about trusting God with similar things.

http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/leading_the_way/Archives.asp

then this sermon:

The Temptation for Popularity - Part 1
3/16/2005 - Wednesday
We all like to be popular. But Michael Youssef says that popularity can be dangerous. Find out why.
Series: The Temptations of Christ

it may or may not be the right one. I am trying to remeber right now. its been a long week!! haha

 

[JPPT1974]

Don't rely on your own strength or free will but rely on the Lord's will and time because His ways are always the right ways as He will never, ever disappoint you when the world does and has. And always will I am afraid and know all to well. As we are do!

 

[Ginsu]

I'm tired, so i'll just answer this.

What on earth did Jerusalem need a defensive wall for, when they had the creator of the universe on their side?

Intimidation.