ListenDaily - 22 September 2008; Your own front yard
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Scripture: Selections from Nehemiah 3
Builders of the Wall 1 Eliashib the high priest and his fellow priests went to work and rebuilt the Sheep Gate. They dedicated it and set its doors in place, building as far as the Tower of the Hundred, which they dedicated, and as far as the Tower of Hananel. 2 The men of Jericho built the adjoining section, and Zaccur son of Imri built next to them. 3 The Fish Gate was rebuilt by the sons of Hassenaah. They laid its beams and put its doors and bolts and bars in place. 4 Meremoth son of Uriah, the son of Hakkoz, repaired the next section. Next to him Meshullam son of Berekiah, the son of Meshezabel, made repairs, and next to him Zadok son of Baana also made repairs. 5 The next section was repaired by the men of Tekoa, but their nobles would not put their shoulders to the work under their supervisors.
17 Next to him, the repairs were made by the Levites under Rehum son of Bani. Beside him, Hashabiah, ruler of half the district of Keilah, carried out repairs for his district.
23 Beyond them, Benjamin and Hasshub made repairs in front of their house; and next to them, Azariah son of Maaseiah, the son of Ananiah, made repairs beside his house.
28 Above the Horse Gate, the priests made repairs, each in front of his own house.
29 Next to them, Zadok son of Immer made repairs opposite his house...
...Next to them, Meshullam son of Berekiah made repairs opposite his living quarters.
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You may or may not be familiar with the story of Nehemiah. He was an Israelite, cupbearer to a Persian king. Saddened by the news that the great wall around his beloved Jersalem had fallen into disrepair, Nehemiah requests, and is granted, permission to return tohis homeland to oversee the rebuilding of the wall.
The world is in disrepair! Some of us, like Nehemiah, are called to oversee great projects. Others, like those in the first few verses, are called to large, but specific projects. Some are called to geographical work, like Hashabiah, who "carried out repairs for his district." Some of us are simply called to do as Benjamin and Hasshub, the priests, Azariah son of Maaseiah, Zadok son of Immer, and Meshullam son of Berekiah did. They "made repairs in front of their houses."
Now, we may not be building an actual wall, but no doubt their is Godly work to be done, right across from our houses where;
A lonely widow lives, or;
A little boy or girl, with only one parent, plays alone, or;
Someone is hungry, or
Someone needs to know Christ.Maybe you live in an actual neighborhood, where none of these are an issue.( Although I doubt all our neighbors know Jesus.)
How about across from your work? Your child's school? Your church?
If we are called to a wider task, then we must follow His leading. If not, then, beyond the shadow of a doubt, we are called to do the necessary work across from our house.
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Questions:
1. Using the wider definition, do you see the need 'across from your house'?
2. Do you feel called to do God's work?
3. Do you think all believers are called?
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May we hear Him, for He surely is calling. Jim
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"The history of the world suggests that without love of God there is little likelihood of a love for man that does not become corrupt." - Francois Fenelon
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