The book of Nehemiah is more than just a case study in leadership. Beginning in chapter three we see this rebuilding project will take much, much more than a great leader. It’s going to require everyone, because everyone is needed on the wall.

Nehemiah, convicted of the disgraceful condition of Jerusalem, asks his king for permission and provisions to go back and rebuild it. The first project undertaken is the rebuilding of the wall, a project rich in symbolism.

Chapter three is a difficult chapter to read. The reason is simple; it’s filled with dozens of names impossible for us to pronounce correctly. Way more important than being difficult to read is the reality of what this chapter represents. Here’s a slice of the pie:

“Next to him, the repairs were made by the Levites under Rehum son of Bani. Beside him, Hashabiah, ruler of half the district of Keilah, carried out repairs for his district. Next to him, the repairs were made by their fellow Levites under Binnui son of Henadad, ruler of the other half-district of Keilah. Next to him, Ezer son of Jeshua, ruler of Mizpah, repaired another section, from a point facing the ascent to the armory as far as the angle of the wall. Next to him, Baruch son of Zabbai zealously repaired … (Nehemiah 3:17-20a NIV)

I italicized some pretty important phrases. Did you notice?

These people were all there working side by side…next to one another.

Without this amazing teamwork, the wall would not have been completed. Without EVERYONE doing their part, the city would have remained an embarrassment.

You may not have your role figured out yet, but at least you can be sure…you have one!  Be praying about your role. Invite God to show you where you fit and what He wants to do through you. 

The cool thing is, according to God’s plan, you’ll be next to someone. We’re in this together!

Prayer thought:

Never underestimate what God wants to do through YOU. By spending everyday with Jesus, you are being filled with Him. His thoughts, His heart, His eyes, His wisdom, His spirit, begin to replace your own. God’s impact on your life is only part of the story. Soon your conversations and actions begin to emulate that of Christ, and this is how God’s will is carried out through you. Ask the Lord to make you an instrument He can use to build His kingdom.

“Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.” (2 Timothy 2:21 NIV)