RPG Adults
PERSPECTIVES FOR SUCCESSFUL SERVICE (XII)
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24
Nehemiah 7:1-4
Romans 12:1-5
“We, being many,
are one body in Christ…”
PERSPECTIVES FOR SUCCESSFUL SERVICE (XII)
Apart from the men assigned to man the gates, watchfulness and vigilance were extended to, and required the participation of, every one who lived within the walls. The testimony of Hanani was that he was faithful, and he feared God “above many” (Neh 7:2). This implied firstly that he was not the only one faithful; there were others also. He excelled in graces that he shared with many. Just as the building required many hands, so did the preserving and watching. Thus the church today still requires that all be faithful and fear God. As much as we look for and set apart faithful men for service and ministry, we must still require of all members of the body, the same grace and faithfulness: “every one in his watch, and every one to be over against his house” (Neh 7:3).
Let not the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun be hot (Neh 7:3). The watchmen were given instructions to guide them in their duty and standards by which their responsibility and faithfulness might be measured. The work was to be preserved, and the city secured by men who worked under the set standards. They were to faithfully and willingly adhere to the guidelines set for the work and service they were given. The threat of the enemy was still great. Opening the gates at sunrise, or while it was still relatively dark, would increase the risk of attack. Thus, the recommendation, though not common practice elsewhere, was necessary for their safety. We ought to remember that we are called to “be not conformed to this world” (Rom 12:2). Many who have capitulated started by forsaking God’s Word and its spiritual guidelines, and replacing them with common worldly practices.
And while they stand by, let them shut the doors, and bar them (Neh 7:3). At the end of the day, nothing was to be left to chance, carelessness was to be countered by deliberateness. The gates were to be ensured closed, not assumed closed. This was to be done while they stood by, and they were to stand by until the doors were shut and barred.
THOUGHT: (Read Deuteronomy 17:11-13.)
PRAYER: (Use Psalm 19:13.)