RPG Adults
CALLED TO SERVE (V)
FRIDAY, JANUARY 16
Nehemiah 3:16-32
Romans 12:1-13
“Not slothful in business;
fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.”
CALLED TO SERVE (V)
Often times, the church and its work are hindered because too much work is left to too few people to undertake. We have work that we wrongfully label as “not ours” and leave it to “our full-time ministers and church workers.” Yet, they are tasks that are to be undertaken by the whole body of Christ. The church would accomplish much more if all its members were committed to doing what is right, and to do it to the best of our abilities, and for God’s glory according to His revealed will. The picture presented in Nehemiah 3 is one of diversity of gifts and helps available to God’s cause that the condition of Jerusalem brought out of the people.
After him repaired… (Neh 3:16). Another phrase that recurs in this roll-call of builders is the phrase “after him” which is found in Nehemiah 3:16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 29, 30 and 31, emphasising the sequential progression of the work with different individuals and groups of individuals collaborating on the same work project. Person after person was identified, and every one of them helped in the building of the wall. Yet Nehemiah came alone, as was testified in Nehemiah 2:10: “there was come a man to seek the welfare of the children of Israel.” How is it that the names that are now mentioned one after another had lived until now “in great affliction and reproach” (Neh 1:3)? And why did it have to take the coming of Nehemiah for them to “see the distress that we are in” (Neh 2:17)? Yet when they had recognised the one common purpose, and had been assured of the providential hand of God which was “good upon me” (Neh 2:18), they were able to work harmoniously side by side, in the spelled-out order and together, and were willing to work under the leadership and supervision of Nehemiah. May God grant us the grace to learn this important lesson. It is often easier for every man to look, and mind his own business, but this often adversely affects God’s work and Christian service. It is possible for the body of Christ to work together, with each one doing what he can and even picking up from where another has left off, and doing all for the growth of the body of Christ, even for the glory of God.
THOUGHT: Responsibility shared and effort coordinated enable fruitful service for God’s glory.
PRAYER: Father, grant me humility to serve Thee where I can.