NEHEMIAH THE BUILDER
LESSON NO. 3 THE BRETHREN OF NEHEMIAH CHAPTER 3

“Then Eliashib, the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests, and they builded the sheep gate; they sanctified it, and set up the doors for it; even unto the tower of Meah, they sanctified it, unto the tower of Hananeel.” —Nehemiah 3:1

GREAT ENDEAVORS and ACHIEVEMENTS are not just the works of one man. A fiery, charismatic leader and even a folk hero can inspire, speak about his vision and articulate his plans but if nobody joins him, he just better pack up and forget his vision. However, a determined leader with a great vision will never be alone to carry on with the task all by himself. He will draw attention and get the needed support of the people who believe in his cause. Such was Nehemiah. He was able to win over his brethren and influence the whole nation of Israel to join him chart the rebuilding of the broken walls of Jerusalem.

1. They were challenged to build the walls with him (2:8). They strengthened themselves for this work.

2. They were determined to build with him (4:6). They put their hearts and minds into this great undertaking.

3. They organized themselves to build the walls with him (3:1-3).

4. They volunteered to specific works and tasks according to their gifts, talents and abilities (3:3-10).

5. They continued on their work despite strong opposition, ridicule and even threats (3:5).

6. They worked like slaves— “the Nethinims” (3:30-31).

7. They built the walls as one in obedience to their leaders.

My dear ekklesia, our ministry by the grace of God is one of the most organized and blessed ministries you can ever know and be involved in. Every member is given here all the opportunities to grow strong in his or her faith and become a builder of God’s work and people’s lives. God has given us the privilege to proclaim and live for the Gospel as this is the only way we could build this nation for the Lord.

We are commissioned to build lives especially those who are new in their faith. And I am thankful for all our God-fearing men and women who are now serving God faithfully and dutifully. They are using their God-given talents, gifts and abilities to minister and meet the needs of all our growing ministries. However, there are still some members in our midst who are not really involved. I see same faces and same faithful people who support and partner with me in the ministry year in and year out. What I want this time is to see new faces and new lives really growing, serving and living for God. I am making this urgent appeal to all of you, members—young and old alike, families, single men and ladies, career and working people to be heavily involved in all our ministries. Be a soul-winner, discipler and cheerful giver. Give time to witness and disciple a new believer. Let them see how much you love and value the Lord and His ekklesia so they will follow your good and faithful example. All these are good works that will reap you eternal rewards. Won’t you be happy to see God delighted in you? Won’t you feel blessed when you get your hands on the “plough” with the rest of the ekklesia? Follow me as I follow Christ.

—BMA’s Messages 01.24.16