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APPROACH TO SERVICE (II)
FRIDAY, JANUARY 9
Nehemiah 2:9-20

Hebrews 10:19-25

 

“…let us build up

the wall of Jerusalem.”

 

APPROACH TO SERVICE (II)
 
The approach of Nehemiah delayed the opposition he would receive long enough for him to both carry out his personal assessment of the city and the work ahead of him, and to communicate with the Jewish leadership in Jerusalem. During this period, he made it clear that his intentions were not known to anyone, not even to those he would rally to join hands in the work. After he had finished his survey (and probably had first-hand information from it), he called the people together. The meeting with the people rallied them to the work at hand. To do this, Nehemiah made two appeals.
 
Then I said to them, Ye see the distress that we are in (Neh 2:17). The first appeal of the meeting was to the circumstance and situation on the ground. He had heard of the affliction, reproach and broken walls (Neh 1:4), and had also seen them for himself during the night survey. Thus, when he called the people to the meeting, he pointed out the danger and embarrassment that the absence of the wall presented. In this, he identified with them in the distress. He did not say “you are in,” but rather “we are in” (Neh 2:17). He called them to action and rallied them to unite and put in their concerted effort. He had the burden, and he had come to work. He did not intend to work alone. He wanted them to work together with him. Their situation had been a source of pain to him. Therefore, their safety and security would be a source of joy to him too.
 
Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me (Neh 2:18). The second appeal of the meeting was to the providence that had brought him to Jerusalem. The people had the experience of rising up to work only to be hampered and stalled. Nehemiah encouraged them by sharing that God clearly had a hand in leading him to Jerusalem. Their resolve was strengthened and their hope renewed, as they heard what the king had said to Nehemiah. It shed new light on things as they had been, and the change that would result. The people responded in consensus, “… Let us rise up and build…” (Neh 2:18).
 
THOUGHT: Unity of faith and purpose creates opportunities for service.
PRAYER: Help me provoke others to love and good works for Thy glory, Father.

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