Let's Rebuild
Scripture Reading — Nehemiah 2
“Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem.”
—Nehemiah 2:17
As the king’s cupbearer, Nehemiah had a relationship with Artaxerxes that was built on trust. Nehemiah sensed that the Lord had called him to help his people. So he asked the king for permission to rebuild the ruins of Jerusalem. Then, with help from the king and building resources provided, he set out to do this God-honoring work.
Now, when we have determined, through discernment and prayer, to do the will of God, we can expect opposition. That soon happened to Nehemiah. Sanballat and Tobiah wanted to stop the rebuilding project. “They were very much disturbed that someone had come to promote the welfare of the Israel-ites.”
Notice that God doesn’t “wave a magic wand” to relieve the struggle. He just keeps working through kings, people, and circumstances. And Nehemiah trusts God to bring success. Despite the opposition, he knows the Lord is with him.
The Lord Jesus has called you and I to rebuild the broken places of our world. We can expect that our work will face trials and setbacks from people opposed to God’s plans. But be assured that the Holy Spirit is working on our behalf. “He who began a good work in [us] will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6). God is working through us. Let us rebuild the broken walls of society and bring glory to Jesus’ name.
Lord, you have given us good work to do. Help us do our best, and sustain us when trouble comes, we pray. Amen.
About the author — Reginald Smith
Dr. Reginald Smith is senior pastor at Roosevelt Park Community Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he has served for seventeen years. He has also served as a pastor in Paterson, New Jersey. He and his wife, Sharon, have three daughters, Janelle, Katrina, and Mariah.
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