Pastor's Message - Autumn 2008
We have been studying that great Old Testament book about rebuilding, the book of Nehemiah. Nehemiah undertook the task of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem . Having been told that the walls were in a serious state of disrepair he was upset and wanted to do something about it. His first response was to come in prayer before God, confessing the wrongs that resulted in the destruction of the city and the captivity of the people of Israel . He asked God for favour with the king before requesting that he be allowed to go and begin the process of rebuilding the walls.
Having received permission and favour from the king, Nehemiah travelled to Jerusalem in order to rebuild the walls, together with the remnant of the Jewish people who lived there. His first priority, on arrival was to survey the extent of the damage, taking note of what needed to be done in order to restore the walls to their proper condition. Then they began to rebuild. Despite serious opposition they completed the work very quickly, 27 miles of solid wall in 52 days (around 2 months). Everyone recognised that the hand of God was with them in the task.
Today, God is calling His people to rebuild areas of their Christian walk that have been broken down and fallen into disrepair. Our enemy will try to discourage us in order to stop us from rebuilding but if we follow Nehemiah’s example we can find the work moving forwards faster than we would imagine.
First of all we need to recognise where the walls have been broken down. Perhaps our prayer life has diminished or stopped or we no longer read God’s word. Perhaps we are caught in some unhelpful lifestyle that we know is not good but we feel unable to break free from. If we come to God and confess our sin He is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1v9). That is always the foundation on which to build.
Just as Nehemiah spent time looking at where and how the walls were broken down, we need to evaluate, honestly how our lives measure up to the plumb line of God’s word. When we identify the things that need to be put right, or put into place, we have to start building, one brick at a time. We cannot build a whole wall in a day. Ask God to show you what steps you can take and endeavour to follow His direction. The wall will begin to be built. Expect that our enemy, the devil will seek to discourage us, in order to halt us in the work. Turn the discouragement into prayer, as Nehemiah did and seek God’s help to keep going. Put on the full armour of God in order to stand and keep standing. Our perseverance will result in Godly character and a hope that will help us to keep going (Romans 5v4).
Seek to encourage others also, remembering that we are not building on our own and that we are not just building our own defences. We are part of the body of Christ, building together with Him. We will not be successful until we learn how to work and build together; using the gifts that Christ has put in His body for the purpose. As we build together, we are also being built together by The Lord into a dwelling for Him (Ephesians 2v22).
What are the bricks to be re-laid in your life?
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