Today in God's Word—April 2023
East Tallassee Church of Christ
April 16, Nehemiah 3
Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brothers the priests, and they built the Sheep Gate. They consecrated it and set its doors. They consecrated it as far as the Tower of the Hundred, as far as the Tower of Hannel. And next to him the men of Jericho built. And next to them Zaccur the son of Imri built. - Nehemiah 3:1-2
Maybe you learned it back in your school days on the football team. Or perhaps you learned in marching or concert band. You surely learned this valuable lesson when you served our country in the armed forces. Or you could have learned it as a factory worker on an assembly line. You can probably think of some other settings where individuals learn to cooperate with others to accomplish a goal or complete a task much larger than any one of the individuals could ever do on their own.
Most people remember Nehemiah as the wall- builder. Truly, he was the mastermind, director and project manager. But tens of thousands of workers from Jerusalem and surrounding areas left their fingerprints on the rebuilt wall of Jerusalem.
Almost everybody helped to build the wall in an amazing 52-day period. Even the high priest and his priestly brothers did some manual labor on the gate and wall that led to the temple. They worked alongside other willing workers, regardless of occupation, status or other distinguishing characteristics. Whole families, men and women, worked on the wall. Other Jews from the area, not just those who lived in Jerusalem, lent their hands and bent their backs to join the construction effort. The "almost" is a reference to some nobles among the Tekoites who would not stoop to serve the Lord. But their reluctance to help does not take away from the beautiful picture of those who were willing and eager to do their part.
The wall workers labored side by side, section by section. Beginning at the Sheep Gate, and continuing counterclockwise around the perimeter of the city, the teams worked together, among themselves and with the other teams. The gates were fortified with beams Nehemiah had procured from the forest of Lebanon as authorized by King Artaxerxes himself. Some workers repaired the section of the wall nearest their homes. They contributed to the project and enhanced the security of their own homes and neighborhoods by their efforts. Walls were defensive necessities for city dwellers in Bible times. The completed wall would be a sign of stability and increased security for the returnees.
Nehemiah's wall was an outstanding achievement. It was accomplished by dedicated workers performing diverse tasks. The laborers took their assignments personally and seriously. In doing so, they contributed to the success of the project.
The rebuilt wall around Jerusalem was a monument to the power of people who cooperated to achieve a common goal and enhance public good. Each willing worker was part of something bigger than himself. Their fellowship and cooperation in the work are good examples of how people who work together can enjoy the blessing of God on their labors. That's an important lesson for the church of today. When each member of the body of Christ uses his or her gift from God to bless the other members and glorify God, the church can grow, be strengthened and enabled to do what God has called his people to do.
Don’t you think it would be rewarding to be a willing member of a local body of Christ- followers, using your talents and gifts to serve the Lord and the people among and around you? It really is a satisfying feeling to be part of something bigger than yourself.
Copyright © 2023 by Michael B. McElroy. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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