NEHEMIAH 4:10-17 – In Judah it was said, “The strength of those who bear the burdens is failing. There is too much rubble. By ourselves we will not be able to rebuild the wall.” And our enemies said, “They will not know or see till we come among them and kill them and stop the work.” At that time the Jews who lived near them came from all directions and said to us ten times, “You must return to us.” So in the lowest parts of the space behind the wall, in open places, I stationed the people by their clans, with their swords, their spears, and their bows. And I looked and arose and said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.” When our enemies heard that it was known to us and that God had frustrated their plan, we all returned to the wall, each to his work. From that day on, half of my servants worked on construction, and half held the spears, shields, bows, and coats of mail. And the leaders stood behind the whole house of Judah, who were building on the wall. Those who carried burdens were loaded in such a way that each labored on the work with one hand and held his weapon with the other.

THEME OF THE DAY: WE NEED EACH OTHER. Do we believe today’s nugget theme? I mean “really” believe it; a belief that moves us to do what God’s people did for and with each other in today’s scripture? But before we go there, we must be convinced the Christian life is not lived in isolation or at a distance from other believers. The Biblical understanding of the Christian life is summarized in one phrase – a community of family. And to get a quick assessment if this is how we know and are living the Christian life, ask this question . . . “How healthy would our relationships be in our physical families if it mirrors our relationships with other Christians in our churches and fellowship groups?”

In today’s scripture, God’s people are being challenged to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Nehemiah, the leader, is burdened to do so and commences the work, but opposition quickly arises. It is difficult opposition, not only from God’s enemies, but the task itself. God’s people are fearful, weak, and ready to give up this noble work of the Lord. In steps a good leader rallying the troops so to speak. And what do we read they did? Here is the example for us in the mutual work of the Gospel.

Nehemiah gathers God’s people in groups, encourages them to look not at circumstances, but the Lord, and to join hand in hand, heart to heart, in this great work of God. No one was excluded and no one refused to be involved. This was a family affair requiring “all hands on deck” and God prospered their unity in the work. Apply that to our lives. The work of the Gospel is a labor God has given to His family. We are responsible and privileged to be involved. And this work is why we are in the world and a great source of joy in the Christian life.

So, we need each other. Do we really believe it? It will show by our life-on-life investment in the most important work in this world – mutually encouraging and laboring together in the Gospel of the Lord Jesus.

PRAYER: “Father, help me to be a burden-carrier and encourager to those in Your family.”
QUOTE: “Christians need Christians. We must embrace our mutual responsibility to one another.”