NEHEMIAH 3:1-12
Introduction
In 445 BC the Persian King Artaxerxes sent Nehemiah an Israelite who was his trusted official(cupbearer)to help rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Nehemiah led the third wave of returning exiled Jews. The first group was led by Zerubbabel in 538 BC.to rebuild the Temple while the second one was in 458 BC, and was led by Ezra (a priest), who was sent to revive worship of God after Jews had again fallen into sin.
Size of the wall
The wall was about 4km long, average height of 12 metres and width of 2.5 metres (39 feet). It had 34 watchtowers and 8 gates.
Opposition
When Nehemiah began to rebuild the wall, he faced intense opposition by local officials led by Tobiah and Sanballat.
Nehemiah 3:1-12
At a glance, Chapter 3 might appear boring to a reader but a closer look highlights how different people worked together to reconstruct the Jerusalem wall.
Priests were working alongside rulers and finished work was dedicated
Perfume makers were helping as well as goldsmiths
There are some who came from nearby towns. They came to lend a hand and be counted among the servants. For example, men from Jericho, Gibeon, Mizpah and Tekoa (Vs.2,7)
Others made repairs opposite their houses
Families are mentioned as working side by side together (Vs.3)
Individuals are mentioned and some by name. (Vs 4,6)
Shallum’s daughters for example, worked alongside their father (Vs.12)
Rulers, leaders and commoners worked side by side
Some people repaired two sections, like men from Tekoa (Vs.5,27) BUT the leaders from Tekoa refused to work for Nehemiah- a fellow leader
The work went on simultaneously despite opposition
All who came volunteered their time and skills. There was no forced labor.
What stands out
All people worked together for a common goal. We don’t see disputes. They worked to please God and not Nehemiah.
Whatever work the people did has been mentioned sometimes in detail. God is aware to minute detail what we do in ministry even if people do not recognize it.
All participants are mentioned and commended irrespective of the size of wall cover or the volume of work done. What is important was commitment and being available.
There are no comparisons as how little or how large each person performed. In God’s work we are not in competition and we should never be. God calls us, sets apart, anoints and assigns. Our wages are stored for each one in Heaven and at end of this age, we shall be honored by God Himself.
All kinds of people (with or without skills) were involved. God invites us to come to Him the way we are and he will use us.
Men and women, nobles/leaders, commoners worked side by side. The church has such people, called in ministry to serve in unity as a body of Christ.
People worked in pairs, in groups, as families. The church can achieve much
when it works in these groups. We don’t see lone rangers. We see fellowship.
Notice reluctance by the leaders of Tekoa (3:5). They could not stoop to serve Nehemiah. But also note that, it is from Tekoa that the volunteers repaired two sections of the wall. I wish these leaders knew it was not
Nehemiah they were call to serve but God. It is a warning for us too especially leaders. And for others seek first the Lord in all we do and not the opinion of others.
Expect opposition in ministry but remember who has called you.
What shall we do?
1. We have damaged families and broken society to rebuild even in the church today. Help others so that they can find hope and new life in Christ Jesus especially during this season of Covid-19
2. We must rebuild the walls together and side by side with talents and skills God has blessed us with. Our walls may be the needy in society, the sick and hungry, broken families and the spiritually lost people. The walls are everywhere.
3. We must work together side by side, small or big, young or old, leader or commoner, priest or laity. We should create a community of love where people can find Jesus and extend the Kingdom of God in fellowship. We are part of the Royal Priesthood and Holy nation.
4. Apostle Paul is a good example. He did not work alone. His ministry is successful because he acknowledged the secret of togetherness and working side by side. He even acknowledges Onesimus (the runaway slave to Philemon), Mark whom he earlier in ministry had reject was back with him and Aristarchus his fellow prisoner (Colossians 4:8-10). These men and many
others were all important in his work.
5. God of restoration, who ordained the wall of Jerusalem to be restored can use the church to champion the work of restoration during favorable and unfavorable seasons like now.
6. The God we serve is God of all seasons-even during pandemics. And His work must be done his way.
AMEN