Serving Together for Jesus
Today's Scripture
Listen to Today's Devotional
Today's Insights
Nehemiah provides a compelling narrative of inspiring leadership during intense opposition. The Bible introduces us to other heroic figures during this time of exile and restoration. Daniel was betrayed by rival advisors but survived a den of lions (Daniel 6). His three Jewish friends were also betrayed yet endured a burning furnace (Daniel 3:8-25). Esther stood up to a genocide planned by Haman, "the most powerful official in the empire" (Esther 3:1 NLT; see chapters 4-8). In a period when Israel wondered if they would ever have security in their dispersion or in their homeland, God provided hope. He inspired courageous leaders and supernaturally protected His people by turning the tables on their enemies.
Today's Devotional
During a trip to Brazil with a short-term missions team, we helped construct a church building in the Amazon jungle. On the foundation, already laid, we assembled the various parts of the church like a giant LEGO set: supporting columns, concrete walls, windows, steel beams for the roof, and tiles on the roof. Then we painted the walls.
Some people were concerned because they wondered if we could build the church in time during monsoon season. But by God's grace, the intense rain held off. With help from a few locals and despite various obstacles, we got the job done in record time.
When Nehemiah and the Israelites returned from exile to rebuild Jerusalem's walls, they faced many obstacles. When their enemies found out what they were doing, they were furious and insulted them (Nehemiah 4:1-3). But Nehemiah prayed and the people persevered together: "We rebuilt the wall till all of it reached half its height, for the people worked with all their heart" (Nehemiah 4:6). When their foes threatened to attack, the Israelites prayed and kept guard as they worked (Nehemiah 4:7-23). They rebuilt the wall in fifty-two days.
Sometimes we are faced with a daunting task. Obstacles appear in our way, and we and our brothers and sisters in Christ can lose hope. But times like this can be a triumphant moment with God's help. Trust Him to hold off the rainstorms and look to Him to overcome the challenges before you.
Prophetic Significance
The rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls under Nehemiah carries profound prophetic significance for believers today. Just as the physical walls represented protection and identity for God's people in ancient times, spiritual walls of faith protect the community of believers in Christ. Ephesians 2:19-22 describes how we are "members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone."
The opposition Nehemiah faced mirrors the spiritual warfare the church encounters. As Paul writes in Ephesians 6:12, "Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world." Like Nehemiah, we must be prepared with both prayer and practical action.
Furthermore, the collaborative nature of the wall-building project—where each family repaired the section nearest their home—foreshadows how the body of Christ functions: "From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work" (Ephesians 4:16). When each believer contributes their spiritual gifts and resources, the entire church is strengthened.
The completed walls of Jerusalem ultimately pointed to the heavenly Jerusalem described in Revelation 21, with its walls of jasper and twelve foundations adorned with precious stones. Our earthly collaboration in kingdom work anticipates that glorious eternal city where God's people will dwell in perfect unity and security.
Reflect & Pray
Why is it hard to live in unity? How can you work together with others to accomplish what God has called you to do?
Dear God, please help me to seek unity with other believers in Jesus. Teach me to work alongside others with humility and perseverance, even when facing opposition. May I contribute to Your kingdom work with all my heart, just as the people did in Nehemiah's time. Help me to see the eternal significance of our collaborative efforts as we build Your kingdom together. Amen.