God uses ordinary people to BUILD His Church
We launched a new series in the book of Nehemiah on Sunday called: “{RE} BUILD.” In this series we’ll see that God called Nehemiah to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem.
From Nehemiah 1:1-4 we discovered that God uses ordinary people like Nehemiah to BUILD His Church. Nehemiah’s story opens up with a visit from his brother, “Hanani and certain men from Judah” who had come from Jerusalem. Nehemiah “asked them concerning the Jews who escaped, who had survived the exile, and concerning Jerusalem.”
Recognize Nehemiah’s two inquiries: 1) “How are the people?” and 2) “How is the city?” These are important questions that reveal the focus of Nehemiah’s story. They show Nehemiah’s concern for the people of God and his concern for the city of Jerusalem; a city that was meant to protect both the people, and the worship of God.
In our New Covenant context God has called us to have similar concerns. He desires that we love His people and the worship of His great Name. In our context the means through which we love God’s people and the worship of God is the local church. In the series we’re discovering direct applications of Nehemiah’s story within our calling to be instruments of God in the work of building the local church!
The answers that Hanani gave to Nehemiah’s questions shook him. Hanani reported: “The remnant there in the province who had survived the exile is in great trouble and shame. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are destroyed by fire.” Nehemiah responds: “As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven.”
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER:
Based on Nehemiah’s response you’re encouraged to put the following three questions before the Lord in prayer. Take time to prayerfully consider these and discuss them with others in the Anchor family.
Am I moved with compassion like Nehemiah for people who are lost in their sin and shame? Why/Why Not?
Do I love God’s Church and long to be an active part of her mission? Why/Why Not?
Will I strive to have a heart that is moved with compassion for the lost and for the church? What can we do to grow in our love for others and for the church?
PRAYER RESPONSE:
If your heart and life is not moved to love others or join in the church’s mission, take time to sit with the Lord, fast and pray, ask God to show you what hinders your love and obedience, and where necessary… repent.
If you are moved with compassion to love others and to join in the church’s mission, take time to sit with the Lord, fast & pray, ask God to direct your actions, grieve the lostness and brokenness in the world, and grieve the condition of God’s church.
