In the book of Nehemiah, we discover profound and powerful lessons about building and tearing down walls, not only in the physical context of rebuilding Jerusalem but also in the spiritual and moral context of our lives. It is clear that God calls His people not only to build walls to protect themselves from external dangers but also to tear down the invisible walls that hinder justice, love, and compassion within the community. This article explores three types of invisible walls that God calls us to tear down: the wall of indifference, the wall of inequality, and the wall of injustice.
1. The Wall of Indifference
The first wall God calls us to tear down is the wall of indifference. In Nehemiah 5, we see a people absorbed in their own concerns, blind to the cries of distress of their brothers and sisters. Nehemiah hears the cries while everyone else is busy with their own affairs. This behavior reveals a wall of cold indifference in their hearts.
The Example of Nehemiah
Nehemiah 5:6-7 describes Nehemiah's reaction when he heard the people's cries:
"I was very angry when I heard their complaints and these words. I resolved to reproach the nobles and the magistrates, and I said to them: You lend at interest each to your brother! And I called a great assembly concerning them."
Nehemiah embodies the heart of God, a heart sensitive to the cries of the oppressed. He refuses to remain indifferent and takes concrete steps to respond to injustice. He does not just listen passively; he acts with determination.
God Hears Our Cries
The parallel with Exodus 2:23-25 is striking:
"The children of Israel were still groaning under the bondage, and they cried out; and their cry because of the bondage came up to God. And God heard their groaning; and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. And God looked upon the children of Israel, and had compassion on them."
As God heard the groans of His people in Egypt, He also hears our cries today. God calls us to reflect His character, to be sensitive to the suffering around us, and to act with compassion.
Breaking Down the Wall of Indifference
Today, many of us still have this wall of indifference in our hearts. Hearts are numb and callous to suffering. We pray, “Lord, come and break down the walls of indifference! Open our ears to hear and our eyes to see.” We ask God to keep us from becoming accustomed to the cries of the oppressed and from being indifferent. By breaking down this wall, we draw closer to the heart of God and become agents of His compassion and love.
2. The Wall of Inequality
The second wall we need to tear down is the wall of inequality. In Nehemiah 5 we see that the nobles of the people were lending money to the poor at high interest rates, taking advantage of those who are suffering. This exploitation of the vulnerable creates a wall of separation and social injustice.
The Practice of Economic Injustice
Nehemiah 5:5 sets out this alarming situation:
"Now our flesh is as the flesh of our brothers, our children as their children; and behold, we bring our sons and our daughters into bondage, and many of our daughters are already bondmen; we are without strength, and our fields and our vineyards belong to others."
This verse illustrates the severity of economic inequality that was rampant among God's people. The rich took advantage of the plight of the poor, creating a deep division between the social classes.
The Kingdom of God: A Call to Equality
The kingdom of God is not made up of buildings or material wealth, but of people. Each individual is of inestimable value in God’s eyes. Jesus taught that to serve the least is to serve God himself. Isaiah 58:7 reminds us of the importance of social justice:
"Share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; if you see a naked man, cover him, and do not turn away from your fellow man."
Breaking Down the Wall of Inequality
May the Lord tear down the walls of inequality that persist in our society. Jesus died for every person equally, and everyone was created in the image of God. We must work toward a society where everyone is treated with dignity and justice. By tearing down this wall, we truly reflect the heart of God and His kingdom on earth.
3. The Wall of Injustice
The third wall that God calls us to demolish is that of injustice. We are called to be artisans of justice, to actively engage in making a difference through our concrete actions.
Nehemiah's Commitment
In Nehemiah 5:9-11 we see Nehemiah's commitment to justice:
"And I said, What you are doing is not good; should you not walk in the fear of our God, so that you will not be exposed to the reproaches of the nations our enemies? I also, my brothers and my servants have lent them money and grain. Let us therefore forgive them this debt. Restore to them this day their fields, their vineyards, their oliveyards, and their houses, and the hundredth part of the money, the grain, the wine and the oil, which you exacted from them as a loan."
Nehemiah does not just denounce injustice; he offers concrete solutions and calls the people to repentance and restitution.
Being Artisans of Justice
God calls us to be workers of justice, to take a stand against injustice and to work actively for social reform. Proverbs 31:8-9 exhorts us to speak for those who cannot defend themselves:
"Open your mouth for the mute, for the cause of all who are abandoned. Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the poor and needy."
Overthrowing the Wall of Injustice
Tearing down the wall of injustice requires a long-term commitment. It means standing up for the rights of the oppressed, challenging the systems that perpetuate injustice, and promoting a culture of fairness and justice. By tearing down this wall, we are helping to establish the kingdom of God, where justice and peace reign.
Conclusion
The invisible walls of indifference, inequality, and injustice are spiritual and moral barriers that we are called to tear down. By modeling ourselves after Nehemiah and reflecting God’s heart, we can tear down these walls and build a community based on compassion, equality, and justice.
We pray that God will open our hearts to hear the cries of the oppressed, to see the needs around us, and to act with love and justice.
“Lord, help us to break down those invisible walls in our lives and to be faithful witnesses of your love in this world.”
By tearing down these walls, we are not only making a difference here and now, but we are also preparing the way for God's kingdom on earth.