Read Nehemiah 3:1-32
That was quite a reading! To get the full effect of what was happening in this part of God’s plan, reading the whole chapter at once made sense. You may even want to read it over again so you can truly revel in the magnitude of Nehemiah’s mission and how he chronicled it for us, almost like a memoir.
Can’t you just picture the scene of men working together to reconstruct this critical piece of Jewish history! We’re given so much detail, recognizing many for their efforts. Nehemiah did a great job of recording these statistics for us. For those named, so many more were also dedicating this season of their lives to this project.
Don’t you think that God, the master foreman of this operation, was thrilled seeing everyone come together? Like a proud parent watching their children play nicely together. I remember those days when our children were small.
I wonder if these workers sang songs to pass the time. We’ve currently got some construction going on across the street from our house. Different crews have different tasks, and each crew seems to have their own music of choice blaring from a car speaker or boom box. This daily serenade is quite enjoyable, making my appreciation of this text much richer.
Working together in unity seems to be the theme message I want to take away. No matter what we’re working on, there is usually at least one other person involved, whether it’s making the family grocery list, planning a vacation, or serving at church. Unity in essential in those “groups” or “communities.”
What is a helpful element leading to unity and productivity when working together? Communication. Communication is critically important lest we all be working on the same thing or creating misunderstandings that don’t need to happen. When we get lost in our own thoughts, it can be a scary place if we aren’t checking in with other people on our team.
What does the Bible say about communication? James 1:19 says, “Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” Think about some groups you’re in. What if everybody understood this simple verse? Communication lines can’t get bogged down when everybody is respectfully listening to each other.
Another great verse to help us with how to communicate effectively. Ephesians 4:29 says, “Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” There are so many places to choose from, but another great verse is also in Ephesians. “Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.” (Ephesians 4:15) All great tips on communicating God’s way!
Without communication, we have a hard time building relationships. These relationships should include our relationship with our Creator. It’s hard to exist in this world without relationships, whether we keep them superficial or go deeper. We are blessed among species that our heavenly Father wants to be in relationship with us!
We see God moving in this passage by spreading his spirit of peace and unity over those working on the reconstruction. God is still moving in us, having his way in us. What is God stirring in your heart today? Don’t rush past that last question but truly ask God to stir in you if you are needing a recharge of his spirit of peace or unity with your community.
Let’s pray … Lord, I am so grateful for the great things you have done for me and continue to do. I love watching you move in my life. I never want to take you for granted. May I keep my eyes focused on you and seek unity with others in my community. Make me a better communicator. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
