As I read through Nehemiah’s account in chapter three of the designated tasks for the rebuilding of the wall I can’t help but wonder about the organizational “spreadsheet” he had to keep track of all the work and the workers. The rebuilding of the wall was a massive undertaking and like many of our modern day projects came up against opposition, questions, doubt and logistical issues.
Even though chapter three
reads like one of the many tiring genealogies in scripture to me it was encouraging. Look beyond the wall and the gates, what else was going on? I see a picture of unity and support throughout these verses, there are priests and leaders coming together with their brothers and getting their hands dirty in the construction of the gates and walls. We see sons and daughters working along side their fathers to complete their tasks. Banding together through the provisions the Lord had provided through Nehemiah the people completed the project in 52 days.
I have never been a part of a massive building project but have had the opportunity to be involved with projects that have required a team of people to come together and work side by side to accomplish their goal. When I relate this to our church today I see the “building project” as our mission and vision, each of us has been given a gift from God to help accomplish the work set ahead of us. As a leader it is part of my duty to help people (the church) work together in unity toward fulfilling the mission that Jesus has commanded us through the great commission.
“Therefore Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
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