Nehemiah has come to Jerusalem, full of zeal for God's glory and conscious of a call to lead the people in rebuilding the wall. In this chapter we have the record of the initial work that was done on the repairs needed. It has much to teach us about working together for God's kingdom. But we're going to stand back and see something of the bigger picture first.
1. What They Did: Built A Wall
This chapter is clearly about rebuilding the city walls. But this was more than a construction project. A wall would, of course, be very useful as protection but it was also going to function symbolically, as a badge marking them as God's people and Jerusalem as God's place.
In this chapter we see evidence that they understood this: the priests led the way in the work and when they had completed a section, they dedicated it to the Lord, a highly theological event (v.1). After the havoc of the exile and the difficult years since, along with the temple, the walls would speak of God's ongoing purposes for his people and, through them, the world.
But the wall would also make, in a concrete way, the point that Nehemiah made in 2:20 to their adversaries: they were a holy people, set apart for God and set apart from the nations. They would be separated from others, not simply by a wall, but by their faithfulness to the Lord.
Here is something vital for us to grasp for today too. We need to build bridges into the world, in order to effectively share the gospel with others. We need to meet folk where they are in their understanding. But it is crucial in doing so that we build walls too, walls around our minds and around our hearts. Our thinking and our behaviour must be guarded from all attempts to squeeze them into the world's mould.
We are called to be distinctive as the Lord's people, making the gospel attractive to others. But in being accessible to the world, we must make sure we're not assimilated by the world. Our lives must be governed by scripture and so be distinctive and holy, honouring the Lord and showing the beauty of the gospel. That means serious Bible study and eager obedience.
2. How They Built The Walls
Moving from the bigger picture, we see something of the details of their work recorded here.
i) With Unity - Perhaps the most striking feature of this chapter is the unity with which the people worked together on the walls. Time and again the chapter uses the term 'repaired' to describe what they did, showing it was essentially the same work, it was a unity. And many times we read that they worked next to each other, side by side.
Here is a lovely picture of what the church of Jesus Christ should be and how we should work for the gospel. It is a work that we do together and stand shoulder to shoulder in. Paul called on the Philippians to "stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel" (1:27). Earlier, he had spoken about their "partnership in the gospel". Those are stirring words and this is a stirring example given by these workers.
Notice that this unity of heart and purpose included people of all social strata, from the priests and nobles to the 'ordinary' townsfolk. That's the church! Whatever background we're from, we are one in Christ Jesus, whatever our role within the church, there is to be no division: all one and working as one.
Of course, this point is made so plainly in the NT by the use of the body metaphor. Every part is necessary and contributes to the functioning of the whole. There is an essential unity to the people of God.
And notice that the workers included people from other towns who were equally concerned for God's glory. That is what matters above all; not petty distinctions but a heart for God, loving his Word and honouring the Saviour. It is the big things that unite the people of God.
To rebuild the walls was a huge job and the challenges we face today are likewise very great. How can they be tackled? By each part of the body doing its work, wherever God has placed us and in the context of the church. Rather than be dismayed by the scale of the task, we must play our part, encouraging others as we do so and in that way, by God's grace, the work will be done, to his praise.
ii) In Diversity - They did the work in a spirit of unity but we must also notice how diverse they were: nobles and ordinary folk; various family groupings, different trades and callings. It is this diversity that makes their unity all the more conspicuous.
Variety of gifts is a great blessing from the Lord and is for the building up of the whole and the progress of the gospel. We're told, "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might" because life is short. All need to ask 'What can I do for the Lord?' & should rejoice as we see others doing what they can.
This is identified as a key role for pastors and teachers in the church, "to prepare God's people for works of service". A church is not just about a minister; it is about the whole people of God serving the Lord as he enables and calls.
Given the diversity of gifts and opportunities the Lord gives, there must be a flexibility in the church that allows for creativity in their use. Many were called to work next to their homes, giving a sense of comfort and security. Church fellowships must be comfortable, secure places that encourage people to serve God.
And yet it is interesting to note here that the variety of gifts were subjugated for a time in the interests of the greater good. There will be times when we need to go 'outside the box', not just in our thinking but in our doing. We must be ready for that and not throw up a defensive 'I can't do that!'.
iii) With Organisation - No doubt the diversity gave rise to a variety of opinions about how the work should be done and what the best approach would be. Yet in their diversity, they held together and seem to have responded positively to the clear lead that was no doubt given by Nehemiah.
Leaders are given by God to do just that. Collaborative efforts are often hard work because we are inclined to insist on our own way, perhaps even despising those appointed by God to leadership in the church. We are all responsible for "maintaining the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace". Yes, there needs to be flexibility and encouragement to serve but we must all be ready to give ourselves for the greater good and respect those in leadership.
iv) With Untiring Zeal - Lastly, notice that the work was marked by great zeal. That is specifically said of Baruch (v.20) and we also see some groups going the extra mile and doing a second piece of wall (v.5 cf. V.27). There is one jarring note (v.5) but that only serves to highlight the remarkable effort of the rest.
Here are people doing what Paul urges in Rom. 12:11 - "Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord". As we close, let's ask ourselves if that is true of us.
What will get us going and keep us going in our service is not human sentiment or emotional pressure from the front but a heart that knows the Lord, that loves him and is rejoicing in his grace in the Lord Jesus. May he help us to be fervent in the Spirit and zealous in our labours, for his name's sake. Amen.
