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PERSPECTIVES FOR SUCCESSFUL SERVICE (XI)
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23
Nehemiah 7:1-4

1 Peter 5:5-11

 

“…your adversary the devil,
as a roaring lion, walketh about,

seeking whom he may devour.”

 

PERSPECTIVES FOR SUCCESSFUL SERVICE (XI)
 
Vigilance is mandatory in service, and Nehemiah had demonstrated it in the course of the wall-building work. But now that the wall was completed, was it still necessary to maintain the same levels of discipline, vigilance and commitment? Gains made must be preserved and protected. History is replete with the sad reality of great works of service that were begun and accomplished for God’s glory, which subsequently were destroyed because a generation was complacent and not vigilant. Seminaries, churches and other sound Christian organisations have capitulated. Warren Wiersbe rightly stated, “Every Christian ministry is one short generation away from destruction, and God’s people must be on guard.”
 
For he was a faithful man, and feared God above many (Neh 7:2). The duty of preserving the gains and progress made in God’s work is as equally important as the work that has been accomplished. In many respects, it is an equally daunting work too. Nehemiah said he sought for this task Hanani and Hananiah, names which were previously mentioned. Hanani was the one who brought news to him while in Shushan (Neh 1:2), and Hananiah was mentioned in the building work (Neh 3:8). Whether they were the same persons or different persons with similar names we may not be exactly sure, but what is clear is that they were men who had been tested. They were known for their firmness and stability; and were chosen for their faithfulness. In the New Testament, responsibility in service and ministry in the church was to be given to men who had been proven and were approved by the church (2 Cor 8:22; 1 Tim 3:10). The Apostle Paul’s charge was that things received should be committed “to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (2 Tim 2:2), and who could be trusted. It is said that Genghis Khan breached the Great Wall of China in 1215 by bribing a messenger, and again the Manchus did the same in 1644 by bribing a Ming general at Shanhai Pass. The wall of Jerusalem would offer security and safety only if the gates were under the charge of faithful men.
 
THOUGHT: “Every Christian ministry is one short generation away from destruction.” Will I watch and pray?

PRAYER: Give me grace, Father, to be faithful and stedfast in service.

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