One of the essential truths shown in Nehemiah is that if a people put aside their fears, give of who they are despite their weaknesses God will honour it and give the increase. As we see Paul write in 1 Corinthian the church is like a body, it has many parts and for that Body to function every part needs to do its part. Leaders need to lead by example and when they do others will follow. Jesus is the key example but their are many lessons on leadership within the old testament as well. We need to look at the Bible as a whole, there are 66 books each worth reading, not just 27 in the New Testament to ponder.
Nehemiah 3 vs. 8-14 – Builders of the Wall From All Backgrounds
Uzziel son of Harhaiah, one of the goldsmiths, repaired the next section; and Hananiah,
One of the perfume-makers, made repairs next to that. They restored Jerusalem as far as the Broad Wall.
There were many people from many walks of life involved in the rebuilding, from near and far
Goldsmiths and Perfume-makers weren’t professional builders but nevertheless put their all into the wall
The wall was up to 6 metres wide in places so it wasn’t a small task to do but they raised the bar
They recognised the importance of the repairs and despite their lack of DIY skills they gave it their all
Sometimes we have to forget ourselves and concentrate on what God desires and let not fear
Overtake us, rather be prepared to trust God, do what he calls us to do and as we do we can repair a wall
Rephaiah son of Hur, ruler of a half-district of Jerusalem, repaired the next section. Adjoining this, Jedaiah son
Of Harumaph made repairs opposite his house, and Hattush son of Hashabneiah made repairs next to him.
Rephaiah was a ruler but he was prepared to serve alongside those he ruled and together the repair was done
Leadership is not about lording it over others, it is by being an example , even when it means going out on a limb
Sometimes leaders need to recognise that the work starts in their own backyard, and not far from their home
Jedaiah took responsibility for the wall opposite his house, sometimes we need to focus on that which is within
Malkijah son of Harim and Hasshub son of Pahath-Moab repaired another section and the Tower of the Ovens.
Shallum son of Hallohesh, ruler of a half-district of Jerusalem, repaired the next section with the help of his daughters.
Shallum lead by example as well not just him but his daughters were involved in the rebuilding and got it done
They worked together as a family, our churches likewise need to be of the same mind as Shallum and his daughters
To be prepared to work together towards a common goal which forms part of God’s plan and which glorifies his Son
For by this shall all men know we are God’s disciples, by our love one for another; truly his sons and daughters
The Valley Gate was repaired by Hanun and the residents of Zanoah. They rebuilt it and put its doors
And bolts and bars in place. They also repaired five hundred yards of the wall as far as the Dung Gate.
Larger groups can accomplish more Hanun and the residents of Zanoah did accomplish far more
The Valley Gate and five hundred yards were rebuilt and repaired, and what was achieved was great
Sometimes we fragment into individual denominations when if we worked together we could do more
Is God’s call to the church Catholic this, time to work together and lay aside differences and even hate?
To do away with self-interest and work together in our communities to help and save the down and poor
To run community food banks, to run combined budget advice and social services wouldn’t it be great
The Dung Gate was repaired by Malkijah son of Recab, ruler of the district
Of Beth Hakkerem. He rebuilt it and put its doors and bolts and bars in place.
Malkijah repaired the Dung Gate, whatever the task do it without conflict
Do it as unto God, seek not your own rights but do it with love and grace
For when we do it to the least of these we do it as unto God, don’t him constrict
There will come a time when we be called to account and we need God’s grace.
Mark Maffey, March 2009
(NIV)