READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l The walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt in 52 days, showing that God works miracles. For without God, the people could not have done it. Restoring the walls represented the restoration of security in the city. However, the ultimate goal was to restore its people to worship and glorifying God.
Faithfulness to His covenant. We are familiar with the word “contract” in our modern day. Legally binding between two parties, a contract can be broken by either party. In the Bible, a covenant is initiated by God. Written in legal terms, we see many examples of God’s covenants, such as the Abrahamic covenant (Genesis 12), the Mosaic covenant (Exodus 19 – 24), the Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7) and the new covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34). God remains faithful to His covenant. When His people repent and return to Him, the covenant is restored. He desires that we repent (heart change) and return in worship (forsaking our idols and all that draws us away from Him). Nehemiah 10:1-27 contains a list of names who entered into covenant with God. Such an act of putting down their names showed an intention to commit to a relationship with God. Just as in a marriage, the couple signs in front of witnesses to profess their commitment. The list of names in Nehemiah 10 are largely unfamiliar. God uses many more unknown and ordinary people than known ones to build His Kingdom.
Sacrificial Commitment to become a beacon of hope to the world. Neh.10:28-31 shows how God uses the sacrificial commitment of both known and unknown people to be a beacon of hope to the world. Starting with repentance, God’s people committed themselves to God’s covenant. In doing so, they pledged to maintain sanctity. They promised not to become apostate or not to inter-marry. There was to be no unholy partnerships and to ensure debts did not result in enslavement. They committed to worship that required sacrifice on their part. This included serving and giving to rebuild the temple. Through worship, they witness to God’s presence with them. The covenant, when taken seriously, transforms rituals to a living relationship with the One whom we worship. What then is a visible sign to the world of God’s presence? It is the church. Not the building but us, the people of God. As we gather and serve and give, become missional to those around us through our sacrificial commitment, we become a beacon of hope. What sacrificial commitment are we being asked to make?
Transformation of hearts and lives. Neh. 11-12:26 describes how a selection of people stayed to remain in the city. The list included lay people as well as the clergy. The clergy alone are unable to build the church. It takes everyone to be involved. This implies sacrifice of time and personal preferences. It is not simply a restoration of worship that Ezra and Nehemiah were working on but the restoring of worshippers everywhere. So also, for us. Every day and everywhere, we are to serve God sacrificially and we will see how God blesses the lives of all around us. The testimonies given by ordinary members of our church truly highlighted how faithful commitment to God leads to transformation which in turn blesses the community.
Neh. 12:27-43 describes the dedication and celebration of the rebuilt walls. Even though the city had yet to be restored to its glory days and there was still work to be done, the people looked to a time when all would be restored. We too anticipate and desire to be completely healed and restored to God as promised by our Lord in Revelation. May we all have our names in the Book of Life (Rev. 20). Let us give our lives to sacrificially serve our eternal God.
(Sermon notes by Angela Goh)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- In terms of commitment – What do you think is the difference between a contract and a covenant? Why do you think it’s important for covenants to exist between God and His people?
- Read Neh 10:1-27 – These are the list of signatories that commit themselves into this binding covenant. How many names do you recognise? What does this say about God using unknown, uncelebrated people to build His kingdom? Do you think God uses known people or unknown people to build His church? Why?
- Read Neh 10:30-31. What are the 3 areas they are called to be set-apart? What’s the principle behind and why? Does it still apply to us today? Read Neh 10:32-39 (with a focus on V37) – Why do you think the temple is so important? What does the temple represent for them? How does it say about our church today?
- Neh 11:1-26 list the names of those who are called to stay-back and reside in Jerusalem to rebuild the city and temple. Who would you identify with in the list? How would you feel if you’re one of them chosen? Jews carry their identity as worshippers in their daily lives & profession – why do you think that’s important? What does it say to you about our lives in the public (marketplace)?
- What do you think God is calling the church to be in the midst of brokenness all around?
- Read Neh 12:27-43 – describes the celebration and rejoicing when restoration is complete. Share how you feel as you read this section? Can you think of a similar incident/testimony when there is complete restoration – how do you feel? Read Rev 19:6-9 – Share how it will be when we’re completed by Christ’ return?
- Neh 12:44-47 describes how Nehemiah secures commitment and permanent support for the house of the Lord. Nehemiah realises the church is not just a building, but the people who commits to it to make it shine. Share your thoughts on such a commitment to the church and how you can encourage others (who are not yet committed) to do so.
- Share and pray about your struggles on commitment that God is calling you to.
