Chaplain Jill’s Devo
Just Keep Rebuilding
(Read Nehemiah 3-4)
Reflection on the passage:
I love how Nehemiah gives us such a detailed and honest description of this rebuilding project. He traces the work from the Sheep Gate through all the wall’s gates and towers back to the Sheep’s Gate again, including a mention of the tombs of David, a reminder of the historic importance of this place that has been left in ruins.
We also learn of the wonderful variety of people who rolled up their sleeves and got involved in the hard physical work of rebuilding and repairing Jerusalem’s wall: priests, Levites, residents, goldsmiths, perfume makers, district rulers, temple servants, merchants, a district ruler’s daughters, and a guy name Baruch who “zealously repaired” his section (3:20). Other than some nobles who were not willing to “put their shoulders to the work” (3:5), these people “worked with all their heart” (4:6).
Of course, this monumental project did not go on without opposition, but Nehemiah led his people to continue their work, trusting in God. When their envious opponents Sanballat and Tobiah ridiculed them like immature bullies, Nehemiah prayed rather than engage them directly. When their opponents gathered others with them (Arabs, Ammonites, and the people of Ashdod) and planned attacks on the workers, Nehemiah pointed his afraid, tired, and discouraged people to their “great and awesome God”(4:14). He also took the wise and practical steps of setting up guards, arming the workers, and organizing a trumpet call. So, despite the opposition surrounding them, the people just kept rebuilding, knowing that they were surrounded by a God much greater than any of these threats.
May we be inspired by Nehemiah and this remnant community to persevere in the rebuilding work that God has given us, whether at CRISTA, in our churches, in our communities, or in our families. May we not allow the enemy’s attacks or discouragement to stop us from doing the work God has called us to. And may we take up the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18), trusting in our Lord Jesus, who is the Victor over evil and the Rebuilder of human brokenness.
Focus verse and questions for prayerful reflection:
Meanwhile, the people in Judah said, “The strength of the laborers is giving out, and there is so much rubble that we cannot rebuild the wall.” (Nehemiah 4:10)
- Is there an area in your life where you can relate to the people of Judah? Where are you short on strength or fellow laborers? Where is there rubble (within or around you) that needs clean up and repair?
- Where do you see God at work in this situation? How might you sense God nudging you to trust Him or to take next steps in His strength?
For further reading:
The Sheep Gate (3:1,32) is also mentioned in the gospel of John. Look up John 5:1-9 to see what miracle Jesus performed there.