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Ring of Truth provides 366 daily ‘proofs’ that the Bible is consistent throughout from Genesis to Revelation, and relevant for our lives today!
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Nehemiah 3:5
The next section was repaired by the men of Tekoa, but their nobles would not put their shoulders to the work under their supervisors.
What a very sad and sorry tale.
“Their nobles would not put their shoulders to the work” - and yet how common that problem is. Nehemiah, under the king’s command and blessing, returned to Jerusalem as planned. At night he quietly, secretly and personally inspected the walls. It confirmed his worst fears - they were in a total mess.
But Nehemiah was an optimist; he was a man of hope and faith in the Almighty God. He also knew that the job was far too big for one man. He needed help - the people needed one another - and they needed God. As soon as they started to rebuild, the opposition mounted and eventually revealed itself, but Nehemiah could handle that. This man was one of the greatest leaders of the Bible and indeed of all history. “The God of Heaven will give us success. We His servants will start rebuilding…” (2:20). Nehemiah’s plan was terrific.
Most of Chapter 3 is thrilling. It names the folk who were responsible for their part of the wall. Or for their gate. He didn’t spread them all over the whole area; for if he had, they would have become totally discouraged. He was the one with the big picture, the big vision. The workers didn’t need to share it - it was too big for them to know the full extent of the damage. They just needed to know, understand and own their own piece of the picture - their own gate or section of the city wall.
As you read the chapter, you will notice that apart from the nobles of Tekoa, everyone gave a hand - the high priest and priests, goldsmiths and merchants, and even Shallum, the ruler of the half-district of Jerusalem, with his daughters.
We CAN change society. Oh no, not on our own but TOGETHER - being responsible for our own area of responsibility, we can change it.
Tell me - what are you responsible for?
1)YOU - You will never be able to change society until you are changed yourself. That can happen only by opening up your life to the Holy Spirit and allowing Him to have control and to change YOU through the sanctification process.
2)YOUR FAMILY - You will never change society until you know how to lead your own family and help them love, follow and serve Jesus and His Body, the Church.
3)YOUR WORK/BUSINESS - You are responsible for your own integrity at work and in business and to pray for and witness to your boss (or staff) and colleagues so they get to know Jesus.
4)YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD - If you hide from them, they will never know. You are responsible for them; to get to know them and tell them what Jesus has done for you. Lead them to Jesus.
As we repair our bit of the wall - together with others - we’ll see the city surrounded in righteousness and we will change society.
Wouldn’t you like that?
Will you JOIN US?
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