Article January 10, 1976 Issue

"Should such a man as I flee?"

ISABEL F. BATES

After Nehemiah had finished his work of rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem and was ready to set up the gates, his enemies tried to frighten him into running away and taking refuge. But Nehemiah refused to be intimidated. "Should such a man as I flee?"^{Neh. 6:11;} That was his strong reply to their evil suggestion.

Today, through television, radio, motion pictures, as well as the printed word, we are bombarded with suggestions of evil across a wide front. Violence, hatred, and immorality are depicted on all sides, spreading pessimism and disillusionment. Astrology and other forms of occultism are publicized as wielding control over us, while fear is constantly fostered by advertisements that contain descriptions of diseases. As a result, we may find ourselves entertaining some disruptive and harmful thoughts.

But what did Nehemiah say when his enemies first threatened him? He addressed them directly: "The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build: but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem." ^2:20;

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