Is Nehemiah Too Narrow Minded?

Nehemiah chapter three was all about building walls and closing doors. It seems like an odd emphasis, at least from a Christian perspective. Aren’t we supposed to be about bringing people in, not putting up walls to keep people out? Do you sometimes feel like Nehemiah should be less like Moses and the law, and more like Jesus? Nehemiah seemed pretty harsh and exclusionary with Sanballat the Samaritan in Neh 2:20, saying that he has no portion or right or claim with them in Jerusalem. Ouch! So, what does Nehemiah’s narrow-mindedness tell us about the gospel, and are some people excluded from inclusion in God’s blessing today? Let’s talk about it on Sunday. Pastor Bob