I really enjoy the book of Nehemiah; it is a visual story. I can imagine being there and feeling the passion of these people restoring what had been lost to them. The story is about rebuilding the walls and gates of their great city. It has everything, intrigue, and action. It’s a gripping read.
When the enemy comes against Nehemiah and the wall builders (Nehemiah 4), they must put a plan in place to protect the restoration. They actively look for their weak points and sure them up. They equip the builders to do their job whilst protecting themselves. But they also look out for each other. Everyone watching and ready to respond to a call to arms. These men and women are on guard day and night in shifts making sure the area and people are safe. You could say they are working with one heart for one purpose.
What strikes me about this is their aim to restore their city wall is a strategic plan. They understand their enemy, they know that they need to protect themselves and they are equipped with the capacity to build and carry arms.
My question to myself is: do I have that much awareness? When I start a kingdom project am I aware of the enemy’s position? Am I ready? Or do I flounder and fail for lack of equipping, awareness, or strategic plans?
Together, followers of Jesus are called the Body of Christ. We should stand together, but when we’re in need we don’t ask or expect the other members to help. We seem to have lost our collective responsibility to get the job done. In Nehemiah they only fulfilled their purpose because they worked together. All the different skill sets working toward one goal. Even doubling up by carrying bricks and a sword (Nehemiah 4:17).
What a difference it would make if we took that image and used it in our kingdom ministries. Instead of comparing and competing we learnt to work alongside each other. If we prayed for, and encouraged those who are ploughing hard ground, or building new ministries. So, when the enemy swoops in and tries to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10), the Body of Christ, the army in waiting can take him on and foil his plans. Ready, when the call comes, to rise and take up arms to protect and fight.
I’ve met many amazing passionate people these past couple of years with a hunger and desire to see the Kingdom of God advanced. But it is tiring and disheartening at times. Pioneering is hard and sometimes lonely work; they need the Body of Christ to be ready to lay down what they are doing and come around them to pray and fight with them. None of us should feel alone. Even Moses needed Aaron and Hur’s support during a battle (Exodus 17:8-13).
We all need each other to support, encourage and extend the Kingdom. Take a moment and ask: who needs you to come around them today? Who do you need to stand with in prayer? Who do you need to go into battle with so they can be victorious?
Featured photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash
"Live to Serve" 