Come let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.
Nehemiah 2:17b
Nehemiah inspected the walls of Jerusalem and discerned what needed to be done. He gathered the people and prepared a plan of action to accomplish the work. Godly leaders not only delegate the work to be done, but also are involved in the work themselves: Come let US rebuild the wall of Jerusalem and we will no longer be in disgrace. (Nehemiah 2:17b) Nehemiah simply told the people there was work to be done and together they could do it.
Some of the people began directly in front of their houses. Above the Horse Gate, the priests made repairs, each in front of their own house. (v.28)
Sometimes the walls of our house are in disrepair and the enemy has come in to wreak havoc. The Lord has given us His Holy Spirit to bring healing and repair to the damaged places of our lives so that we can more effectively have the freedom to serve the Lord. The people of Jerusalem repaired the walls in front of their own houses, implying that we must not neglect our own household and repair the broken-down places in order to more effectively serve others. At the end of the day, I am so tired and sometimes it is easy to neglect my husband. I know that he will understand, so I make him my last priority. If I allow this attitude to continue, I begin to see walls break down, that is, relationship walls. God is forever reminding me that I must rebuild the walls of our relationship by investing the time.
Take an inventory of your life. Are there any areas of your life in need of repair? Don’t wait until the wall is completely broken down. Broken down walls allow the enemy to easily come in. In Nehemiah’s time, there were watchmen on the walls who looked to see if the enemy was approaching.
The Holy Spirit is your watchman. Allow Him to show you any places of vulnerability that need repair.
Heavenly Father,
I have neglected (fill in the blank). I recognize the need for repair in this area of my life.
Please forgive me for not turning to You sooner. Help me to yield to the work that You need to do in my life to bring restoration.
In Jesus’ name, Amen
