Nehemiah 11:1-24
Once again today we see lots of families, names and numbers. But it's what we see before we get to all the people information that caught my attention. The first two verses, Nehemiah 11:1-2, tell us what's happening and let us know why the names that follow are important, but they also show us something about sacrificing and serving the Lord. We see that the leaders of the people were already living in Jerusalem. But then we're given this bit of information. "And the rest of the people cast lots to bring one out of ten to live in Jerusalem the holy city, while nine out of ten remained in the other towns. And the people blessed all the men who willingly offered to live in Jerusalem." This got me thinking about different times when I've been asked to do something I wouldn't have chosen to do, but I felt the Lord's leading and acted on it.
So what does Nehemiah 11:1-24 illustrate regarding serving and taking action for the Lord? What does it show us about supporting and affirming those responding to God's call? Tami W.
The casting of lots makes me think of the enormous faith it took for the chosen to return to Jerusalem (keeping in mind that the people were in captivity for such a long period of time that they knew of no other place/circumstance other than bondage...) and start anew. When the Lord calls you to do something- it's always going to be BIG and it's always going to be promising.
I think of the work my church pastors/leaders are doing. They are not only responding to God's call but also, they are daily walking on His instructions. I pray that all of us keep our respective church leaders in our prayers and stand beside those that have a specific call from the Lord.
It confirms that doing God's work is important and that those who lead in doing God's work should be supported. Their calling should be commended to the Lord for his protection and guiding, much like we do today in consecrating pastors and deacons to the Lord. Much like was done in the new testament by the apostles. In fact the Lord's work is the most important task that a believer can undertake whether it is as a leader or as an usher in church or any other task in support of his ministry.
When God chooses us to do His work, we should feel privileged, honoured and blessed. God does not take His choosing lightly. So we should first thank and praise Him for asking us and we can take a page out of Nehemiah, the slave, the king's cupbearer's book on leadership. We must read His Word and put on the whole armour of God because opposition is going to come. When we do anything for God we must do it well and to His glory.
We must alwo support our pastors, priest or anyone who is doing God's work, by giving them feedback, helping out and most of all praying for them. Do not listen to gossip or any negative things, but ask the person to pray instead and ask God to guide us and all concerned. God intended for us to live together in love and peace and if we backbite that is not love. So let us look into ourselves and see how best we can help and of course, take it to the Lord in prayer.
I appreaciated what Joan mentioned about praying for our spiritual leaders. I think that's the most important thing we can do. Also (as others mentioned) be willing to help. Don't bring up a problem without a possible solution. Be sure to stop, drop and pray (as Dr. Kroll says) before bringing up a problem and solution to your pastor.
These chapters really showed the different services that each person or group did for the LORD. Just as we all are different and work in different ways for Christ. And as always keep our armour on and pray. :O)
Jerusalem was organized since God is a God of order. The city was and is still vulnerable to danger from enemy attack. God’s Word always puts in mighty men of valor who protect His priceless possession. They kept very good track of kindred genealogies. Maybe even a little prejudice or segregated. I love that provisions were made for the ‘little people’. There will always be the singers, those who pray, praise, and give thanks. But just as important are the maintenance team, people who take care of the daily grind. Usually not mentioned or thought of as highly as the leaders in our churches today. I praise God for The Body of Christ. All have a part to play in His plan.
(Eph.2)For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do...In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.