Nehemiah 7:1-4 – Be an active builder of the kingdom

Nehemiah made it his first task to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Though he had to face opposition, he managed to complete the rebuilding in 52 days. That was quite an achievement. However, as important as having the wall built, his job was far from over. Now he had to consider building the community. And this would be a far more difficult and formidable responsibility.   

The wall, according to Nehemiah 7:1, had been rebuilt with all the doors put up in place. Nehemiah then wisely appointed the gatekeepers, singers, and Levites.  Appointment of the Levites was important because Israel was a worshipping community and worshipping God was their first priority. The same is true of the church today. Like Jerusalem, our first agenda for our being should be to worship God. We are made to worship God and that must always be our primary reason in life.  

Next Nehemiah appointed Hanani his brother and Hananiah, a commander to oversee the fortress bordering the temple.  They were given charge of Jerusalem. The latter was said to be a faithful man and one who fear God more than many others. For safety reasons, the gates of the city were opened late and closed early. This was a precaution taken to prevent needless infiltration by the enemies either early in the morning or late in the night.  Guards were also assigned strategically around the city. Every resident was to be ready to guard their own home. The key was for all to be watchful.   

It is one thing to have the wall built but quite another to have the community established. Like Jerusalem, the church is not the building. it is the community of people whom God had brought together. Remember we are the people of God called out of the world of darkness, to bear His name and to proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called us.  We are called to worship Him and as we do, we must also seek to build up this community. In the task of building, we must be watchful. We need to be alert and not allow the enemies to sow discord and destroy our unity. Let’s be on guard all the time.