There are two passages assigned for today!
SCRIPTURE: Nehemiah 3
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
The Old City Gate was repaired by Joiada son of Paseah and Meshullam son of Besodeiah. They laid the beams, set up its doors, and installed its bolts and bars. Next to them were Melatiah from Gibeon, Jadon from Meronoth, people from Gibeon, and people from Mizpah, the headquarters of the governor of the province west of the Euphrates River. Next was Uzziel son of Harhaiah, a goldsmith by trade, who also worked on the wall. Beyond him was Hananiah, a manufacturer of perfumes. They left out a section of Jerusalem as they built the Broad Wall. [Nehemiah 3:6-8]
One of the things that strikes me about the church is the hodge podge of people that make it up.
The community of Jesus followers is a mixed bag of personalities, with a variety of skills, quirks and issues.
A business owner will set up chairs, a truck driver will run the sound board, a medical assistant will work in the nursery, an engineer will hang out with junior high youth, and so on…
A gold smith building walls, a perfume maker building a gate, wit their kids helping out!
It seems that God’s reconstruction project is a combined effort, where everyone helps out – and not necessarily in their area of primary giftedness.
Soon afterward Jesus began a tour of the nearby towns and villages, preaching and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom of God. He took his twelve disciples with him, along with some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases. Among them were Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons; Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s business manager; Susanna; and many others who were contributing their own resources to support Jesus and his disciples. [Luke 8:1-3]
We see this mixed bag of followers with Jesus too; and everyone is a part of, and contributes to, God’s reconstruction project.
The good news about the Kingdom of God is that God is re-establishing (or reconstructing) His garden paradise, His creation Kingdom, through His appointed Ruler Jesus Christ.
And all those who believe and join in have a role to play; they have been gifted and they are equipped with the Spirit, and as they surrender themselves and their resources to Him; He uses them to rebuild His kingdom.
Sometimes it will be based on my experience (like the women cured of evil spirits and diseases) or based on my position (like Joanna, married to a high official), or based on my resources (like those who gave financial support).
Sometimes it may not be based on my primary gifting – like when I have done drywall or shingles.
What unites us together is a common commitment to the King and His cause; a unity of priority and purpose!
This makes me think of our own unfolding ministry vision, our focus on children’s ministry at the school where we meet.
This is also a “reconstruction” project, and we will be asking the goldsmith’s and perfume makers to offer their time, their talents and their treasures, to help build this ministry.
Sometimes I wonder whether we have the people to make this happen; but then I consider the mixed bag of followers that Jesus worked with, and the difference that the Holy Spirit made.
Our strength is not in that we are the perfect team, with the perfect mix of gifts, and the perfect supply of finances and resources and people… no, we are a hodge podge community of Jesus followers.
United around a vision, empowered by the Spirit, eager to love and serve, bless and be blessed!
Many who are contributing their own resources to support Jesus and His ministry!
PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, thank You for bringing together this mixed bag of people to work together on Your reconstruction project. I look forward to seeing how You will work in and through us!