From the service to the next

371 from service nextThe book of Nehemiah, one of the 66 books in the Bible, is probably one of the least noticed. It contains no heartfelt prayers and songs like the Psalter, no grandiose account of creation like the Book of Genesis (1. Moses) and no biography of Jesus or the theology of Paul. However, as the inspired word of God, it is just as important to us. It is easy to overlook it when leafing through the Old Testament, but we can learn a lot from this book - especially about true cohesion and exemplary living.

The book of Nehemiah is counted among the history books because it primarily records important events in Jewish history. Together with the book of Ezra, it reports on the restoration of the city of Jerusalem, which was conquered and devastated by the Babylonians. The book is unique in that it was written in the first person. We learn from Nehemiah's own words how this faithful man fought for his people.

Nehemiah held an important position at the court of King Artaxerxes, but he gave up power and influence there to help his people, who were suffering from great misfortune and shame. He was given permission to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the ruined city wall. A city wall may seem unimportant to us today, but in the 5. Century BC, the fortification of a city was crucial for its settlement. That Jerusalem, the center of worship for God's chosen people, was destroyed and left without protection, plunged Nehemiah into deep sorrow. He was given the means to rebuild the city and make it a place where people could live and worship God without fear again. Rebuilding Jerusalem, however, was not an easy task. The city was surrounded by enemies who did not like that the Jewish people were about to flourish again. They threatened with a surprising destruction of the buildings already built by Nehemiah. There was an urgent need to prepare the Jews for the danger.

Nehemiah himself relates: “And it came to pass from then on that half of my people worked at the building, but the other half prepared spears, shields, bows and armor, and stood behind all the house of Judah that were building the wall. Those who bore burdens worked like this:

With one hand they did the work and with the other they held the weapon" (Nehemiah 4,10-11). That was a very serious situation! In order to rebuild the city that God had chosen, the Israelites had to take turns assigning people to build it and putting up guards to protect it. They had to be prepared to fend off an attack at any time.

Throughout the world there are many Christians who are under constant threat of persecution because of the way they live their faith. Even those who do not live in danger every day can learn much from Nehemiah's service. It's worth thinking about how we can “protect” one another, even when circumstances are less extreme. When we work to build up the body of Christ, the world meets us with rejection and discouragement. As Christians, we should surround ourselves with like-minded people and support them.

Nehemiah and his people ensured vigilance and readiness for action at all times in order to be armed in every situation - be it to build the city of God's people or to defend it. They had been asked to do so not necessarily because they were best suited for the task, but because the work needed to be done.

There may be few of us who feel called to do great things. Unlike many of the characters in the Bible, Nehemiah was not specifically called. God did not speak to him through a burning bush or in a dream. He just heard of the need and prayed to see how he could help. Then he asked to be entrusted with the task of rebuilding Jerusalem - and he was given permission. He took the initiative to stand up for God's people. When an emergency in our environment shakes us to take action, God can guide us in this just as powerfully as if he were using a pillar of cloud or a voice from heaven.

We never know when we will be called to serve. It didn't look like Nehemiah would be the most promising candidate: he was neither an architect nor a builder. He held a strong political position, which he gave up without any certainty of success because he was pressed by adversity. He lived for this assignment because he believed that according to the will of God and His ways among the nations, people should live in a specific place and time - Jerusalem. And he valued this goal more than his own safety and merit. Nehemiah constantly had to face new situations. During the reconstruction, he was constantly challenged to overcome adversity and to re-guide his people.

I think about how often we all seem to have a hard time serving one another. It occurs to me that I have often thought that someone other than myself would be much better suited to help in certain cases. However, the book of Nehemiah reminds us that as a community of God we are called to care for one another. We should be prepared to put our own security and advancement behind to help Christians in need.

It fills me with great gratitude when I hear from siblings and employees who stand up for others, be it through personal commitment or their donations - leaving an anonymous bag of food or clothing at the door of a needy family or an invitation to one pronouncing needy neighbors for dinner - they all need a sign of love. I am happy that God's love flows through his people to people! Our commitment to the needs in our environment shows a really exemplary way of life in which we trust in every situation that God has put us in the right place. His ways are sometimes unusual when it comes to helping others and bringing a little light into our world.

Thank you for your loyalty to Jesus and your loving support of our community of faith.

With appreciation and gratitude

Joseph Tkach

President
GRACE COMMUNION INTERNATIONAL


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