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CALLED TO SERVE (I)
MONDAY, JANUARY 12
Nehemiah 2:17-3:5

Hebrews 6:9-12

 

“…we desire that every one of you do

shew the same diligence…”

 

CALLED TO SERVE (I)
 
The building of the wall to its completion was a testimony to the commitment of both Nehemiah and the children of Israel to their God and to His work. It echoed Nehemiah 2:20, attesting to the fact that God did prosper His people in the work, and that God’s servants did indeed rise up and build. The completion of the work was also a testimony to the necessity of the steps Nehemiah took and his approach to the work of the Lord. Necessary traits for successful leading and administering of God’s work can be observed through it.
 
But ye have no…memorial in Jerusalem (Neh 2:20). The first lesson we may draw from the list of names which gives us a sort of roll call of servants in the work of the Lord is that of a memorial. The names may be strange to us, and we may have difficulty even pronouncing them correctly, but they are necessary to remind us that “God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name” (Heb 6:10). The presence of this record in Scripture testifies that God does not forget. We have the names of individuals and groups. We have knowledge of their professions before the work of the wall. There was recognition too of where, what, and how much of the work they did. Their labour indeed was not forgotten and therefore, their labour was, as the apostle said, “not in vain in the Lord” (1 Cor 15:58).
 
But their nobles put not their necks to the work of their Lord (Neh 3:5). This memorial included the mention of a peculiar group that responded to Nehemiah’s rallying call, but “put not their necks to the work of their Lord” (Neh 3:5). As God remembers the good and faithful servants and their work, He also mentions the wicked and slothful servants, and their reluctance. No reasons were given as to why they did not fully commit to the work. What was made clear though was their unwillingness. They willingly allowed their subjects to work, but they did not offer themselves to the work. Yet, all should be willing to do God’s work.
 
THOUGHT: Success requires preparation and action.
PRAYER: Grant, O Father, that I may be available and willing to serve Thee.

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