Read Nehemiah 11
Highlights:
Residents of Jerusalem; priests and Levites who went with Zerubbabel; dedicated walls; Temple offices restored.
And at the dedication of the wall in Jerusalem . . . to keep the dedication with gladness . . . they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced (Neh. 12:27,43).
The building of the wall of Jerusalem was accomplished through sacrificial work, mingled with fear and trembling, by ordinary people. Even though they were not skilled wall builders, they did the best they could. If Nehemiah had waited for "qualified" workers, the walls would never have been built (3:5). It has been said that God does not necessarily call the equipped, but He will equip the called. Never fear, if God is calling you to work for Him, you can trust Him to provide everything you need to serve Him. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (I Cor. 15:57).
Just as the Lord called His people out of Babylon with a plea to forsake personal gain and rebuild Jerusalem and worship Him, so our Lord and Savior has called us to seek . . . first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matt. 6:33). Sadly, the majority of Christians lack the wholehearted devotion of those workers who completed the walls. Far too many are "seeking first" the things of this world instead of His Kingdom's interest.
We, as Christians, are set apart to tell the world about God's love; yet, there are millions who have never been told the Good News and are still lost. To many, the Great Commission has become a doctrine rather than a call to serve Him. We need to take this call to heart. What could be more important during this time in which we live than carrying the Word of God to the world? This world does not understand God or the love for it that He reveals in His Word: Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins (I John 4:10). We must unite ourselves to the cause of Christ to spread the Gospel.
Our lives are not our own, but they belong to God. So, we should live for Christ according to our calling. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me (Gal. 2:20).
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen (Matt. 28:19-20).
Thought for Today:
Those who walk close to God are a blessing to those around them.
Christ Portrayed:
By the priests and Levites who purified (sanctified) themselves and the people (Neh. 12:30). Christ our High Priest, through His perfect sacrifice, purified His believers by His Word. Now ye are clean through the Word which I have spoken unto you (John 15:3; 17:17).
Word Studies:
11:16 outward business, external business of the Temple; 11:24 was at the king's hand, was advisor, administrator of the king; 12:44 that waited, who officiated, ministered, kept the watches.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Government Officials: Gov. Bobby Jindal (LA) and Rep. Lynn Jenkins (KS) • Country: Guyana (705,000) on the northeastern coast of South America • Major languages: English and Amerindian dialects • The government is becoming increasingly Marxist, radical, and atheistic • 36% Hindu; 28% Protestant; 10% Roman Catholic; 9% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord for help when you have a need (II Chr. 14:11).
Optional Reading: 2 Corinthians 12
Memory Verse for the Week: Ecclesiastes 5:4