Various people helped in repairing the wall of Jerusalem. Some may have been familiar with construction work but others such as the goldsmith, the perfumer and the high priest were not. Some repaired the areas near their homes, others who were not living within the city were assigned areas to repair. In addition, some others, after finishing their assignments, went on to repair more sections of the wall. It is probable that they were all supervised and advised by experienced masons. Yet, each did what they could and the bible text does not compare the work of one more highly than another.
This is a reminder to us that each of us has a contribution to make to the work of the Lord, according to our abilities and context. We may feel that our work is not as polished or refined as what others may do, or feel that it is a small contribution compared to the larger contribution another may make. Nonetheless, each contribution is a valuable and needed contribution to the work of the Lord.
“The next section was repaired by the men of Tekoa, but their nobles would not put their shoulders to the work under their supervisors.”
While most of the Jews living in and around Jerusalem were involved in the repair of the wall, there were some who were not willing to participate. In particular, we read that the aristocracy from Tekoa did not want to do the work. Perhaps, they felt that the physical repair work was too menial a task for them. Nehemiah noted their refusal to participate but did not dwell on it. Instead, he focused on the collaboration of the majority of the people and how, together, they were completing the task.
It helps to keep our attention on working together to complete the task at hand and not be overly weighed down by the less significant negative actions of a few.
Written by Mr. Ajit Hazra
Questions
For Personal Reflection or Group Discussion
- Read the entire chapter of Nehemiah 3 as an individual or group. How has the high level of concerted efforts speak to you about doing life with others in the different arenas of your life (e.g. family, life group, church, friends, school, workplace etc.)
- Is there a time when you felt that the work that you had been asked to do is too small for you? What might be the reason(s) that caused you to feel that way?
- “There is no superstar in God’s work”. Reflect on a time when we had perhaps felt more important than we ought to be. What lesson(s) can you learn from that experience and how might God want you to change?
Sermon
Preacher: Rev Anthony Phua
Series: Band Together
Topic: Building Teamwork as We Band Together
Verses: Nehemiah 3: 1 – 12
Read the other devotionals in our Nehemiah sermon series.
