READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l God is in the business of working through people to accomplish seemingly impossible tasks.
They were no superheroes but ordinary people, remnant Jews left behind by their Babylonian conquerors to farm the land, later joined by some exiled Jews freed by Persian King Cyrus to rebuild the destroyed walls and gates of their homeland. Considered “feeble Jews” by their enemies (v4:2), they attempted the extraordinarily humongous task of rebuilding Jerusalem – for they “had a mind to work (v4:6)”.
Despite the mocking by their enemies who despised the God of Israel, these ordinary folk completed their seemingly impossible task through sacrificial service that P.U.S.H-ed the building project to completion!
- Aligned with God’s will, their service was PURPOSE-DRIVEN.
Nehemiah had earlier rallied and alerted them of the “trouble” they were in as their Holy City lay in disgraceful ruins. He had them know that God’s hand of grace had moved the king to permit him to return and rebuild the city. Convicted, they “committed themselves to the common good” and started building. (2:17-18) More than protection, rebuilding symbolically signified God’s redemptive plans for the Israelites. The project “encouraged in the people of God a sense of identity and distinctiveness” … a reversal of the humiliating “defeat and destruction suffered because of Israel’s sin”, and an assurance of “God’s redemptive presence among them”. (Mervin Breneman)
What about us? What are we building today?
Am I answering God’s call to fix broken walls around me? Like the broken Sheep Gate which the priests worked on and consecrated to God, what broken relationships must I restore so that others may ‘enter’ to know and worship the God I believe in, who does not bolt the door to His ever-available help and forgiveness?
We can start by making our day jobs wherever we work – in the market place, at home or in church, our ministry and purposeful calling. Regard our KPIs as Kingdom Priorities and Initiatives! Ask, “What would Jesus do if He were in my shoes? What would He prioritize? What would He initiate?” Start where we can, not where we should – with little acts of kindness that reflect God’s enduring patience and loving compassion. Seek purposefully to restore relationships while cultivating people, not sparring reactively or rejecting them. - God’s repentant people were UNITED.
Entire families were united to mend the wall throughout its length and in different locations. They cooperated to share the work. In their assigned roles and locations, some made repairs, others built. Making the ‘Work-From-Home’ a family effort also promoted unity. According to Gene Getz, it motivated the people – through personal involvement, and minimal travel time, to stay and fight to protect their families if needed. Nehemiah recorded the names of everyone involved in the building project (3:1-32) – an example for us to promote unity by acknowledging, affirming and celebrating our team mates’ contributions. Where unity is fragmented because of tension in a relationship, the kindness of God, not better planning or arguing to win, leads to repentance and mutual cooperation. “Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you…Can’t you see that His kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?” (Romans 2:4 NLT) - Their service was SELFLESS.
Some from different provinces left the comfort and security of their homes to rebuild in Jerusalem. Unlike the stiff-necked prideful nobles of Tekoa who refused to be ‘yoked’ to menial work, the commonfolk of Tekoa were neither calculative nor complaining, and willingly took on more tasks. They were joined by other servant leaders who were not there for the limelight. (3:3-5,27) - They served HUMBLY.
Whether priest, goldsmith or perfume maker, they were willing and teachable to pick up new tools and learn from scratch. Can we who having relevant experience and enjoy calm circumstances, be constructive to go the extra mile and bless others who need help? What if a ‘scope creep’ is an opportunity from God to change my attitude, bless someone with friendship/hospitality, gain knowledge/skills, or simply to walk by faith? God calls us to be a sanctuary where His love is encountered, where initiatives are attempted for the good of all.
What is God inviting me to build today? What is His Word or promise to me and my family when we rebuild our lives around His love? As holy, pleasing, living sacrifices we too can attempt impossible tasks for the LORD when we PUSH our best to serve Him sacrificially.
(Sermon notes by Marjorie Tan)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- Share with the group the best team that you have ever played or worked with. What was so good about this team?
- Read Nehemiah 3 to 4:9. How would you describe the people involved in the building project? Who are these people?
- How did Nehemiah organise the people in the building project? Why do you think he did so?
- Recall the four P.U.S.H attributes of sacrificial service that made this impossible task possible. Which attribute stood out for you? Which attribute would you find most challenging to apply in your personal life?
- The preacher spoke about making your work in your day job your ministry. What is one thing you could do to take this practical step of making your work your ministry?
- What is God inviting you to build in your life? (eg home/workplace/church)
- What is God’s word or promise that He is revealing to you or your family?
