Nehemiah 3:1-32
Nehemiah 3:1-32 read a little bit like a broken record, but it was effective in how it showed me over and over how wonderful it can be when Christian brothers and sisters work together. As I finished up this chapter, two messages were clear in my mind. 1) teamwork, teamwork, teamwork; and 2) as part of the team, I need to make sure I'm doing my part.
So what did Nehemiah 3 show you about teamwork within the Body of Christ? What are some ways we can foster and encourage teamwork both within our local church and within the larger Church? Tami W.
P.S. Today we kick off our Nehemiah series on Back to the Bible. So be sure to tune in.
What struck me was that each person had his or her own section of the wall to build, but they all were working on the same project. That is how we are to be in the body of Christ - each one of us has our own part to do individually or as part of a group, and yet we all make up the church.
Individually none of the work done on the wall mattered. What good was a gate if the walls on either side were still rubble?
Once you put all of the work together its importance could be seen. Together Israel did the impossible...rebuilt the Walls of Jerusalem.
Things are the same today. Individual work in the church can't stand unless it is supported by the work of others.
Heavenly Father, You give each of us task to complete. Alone these tasks may not seem like much, but, together with the work of our brothers and sisters we can accomplish so much. Guide us ,Father, and help us to work together to rebuild you kingdom here on earth. Amen.
While I was reading Nehemiah and saw the team work I was thinking of things we can do in our local church and hall. As I thought, I remembered on Saturday as two of us were preparing the flower arrangements for church, when the acting sexton remarked to me that, remember you had cleaned this window when we last cleaned the church and hall? We did a general cleaning about three years ago and I have always been saying, but not acting we need to do this again. As I read this chapter, I said to myself I must offer myself to do it and pray that others, no matter if we are few to start cleaning up soon.
As Janice said each person had his or her own section of the wall to build and that is what team work is all about. We have to make sure that we do not all concentrate on the same "window" but each person will have his/her own responsibility and that we all work together and to the glory of God. Tomorrow, when I meet with the priest I shall offer myself so that she will inform the church so we will prepare and start the work as soon as possible. There is quite a bit of work to be done and you know what? I believe that there will be joy in doing it and I pray that it will bring us all closer to each other and most of all to our Heavenly Father. Please pray for us that this will really bear much fruit. Thank you.
First I should say, I LOVE the book of Nehemiah, so I'll be tuning into the series you guys are doing.
Now about today's passage. I had a few thoughts. Years ago when I was in elementary school, the school I went to had all of us students do one of those clay squares that we designed in art class, and then they put in the hot oven and baked, and then we painted it and THEN...here's the cool part, then, the school glued each of our little squares on to the building in the school. I was thinking it may be cool to go back to that school to see if I could find my square, because it is there as part of the permanent structure.
So, when I read this chapter today, I couldn't help but think that one of the reasons the names of the people who are mentioned here, is because it's important. Almost like a yearbook...so and so did this, and so and so, built that. And since the wall was such a major thing that everyone was going to see, how cool to be able to say, years later...my great great great great grandpa helped build that wall.
The other thing that leapt off the page was verse 5, "And next to them kthe Tekoites repaired, but their nobles would not stoop to serve their Lord".
Their nobles would not stoop to serve their Lord....to which I say, "OUCH"....but at the same time, I admire it for being in the text because there it is folks - laid out clearly... all of those "common folk" did the work, but the NOBLES WOULD NOT STOOP....WOW....
I think there's a lesson in there for us. :)
I noticed the teamwork as well and it made me think that with everyone chipping in to help rebuild, they will take caution not fall away from the Lord's commands. When you're part of something (a national movement for these Israelites)they were building in unison and focused on God. Whole families involved in this major project were not likely to forget the significance of God's purpose and plans for their lives.
I also love the book of Nehemiah. I can only agree with what was already. Thanks for the comments everyone. I have seen great team work in children's ministry work and some here at my present place of employment. It is a joy when the team works together and great things happen for God's kingdom.