Scripture: Nehemiah 2:18 (NIV)
"They replied, 'Let us start rebuilding.' So they began this good work."
Observation:
Nehemiah has asked the king for permission to go back to Jerusalem to rebuild the city wall. As he surveys the damage, and let's a few folks in on his plans, they take the lead and begin doing the work Nehemiah told them needed to be done.
Application:
This coming week I will celebrate my 13th anniversary in the ministry. Over the past 13 years, I have realized that there are basically three types of people in the church: The first group is made up of the folk who show up pretty regular for worship and that's about it; They're usually quiet...they are there for any number of reasons...but Sunday morning is about all they need.
The second group is made up of the complainers...They also are there most weeks...faithfully...and will do most anything that's asked of them... but nothing is ever quite right and it's always someone else's fault.
Then there's the third group: This group shows up practically every Sunday as well...and sometimes Monday, or Tuesday, or Wednesday, or Thursday. These are the folks who see that something needs to be done...and do it.
I'm thankful for all three types of folk...honestly...and each for different reasons. As a modern day Nehemiah, I sometimes wonder how everything will get done. Then out of the blue someone will come to me and say, "What do you need me to do?" That's when I stop, take a breath, forget about the grumbling and complaining I hear on occasion, look around, and say to myself, "Ok, let's get busy."
Prayer:
God who calls all of us, show me this day the city wall that you would have me work on. As I look around and begin to believe the lie that there is just too much to do, remind me once again that none of us go at our work under our own strength. Amen.
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