“Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king’s words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work.” Nehemiah 2:18
The book of Nehemiah chapter 3 contains the list of all those who rose and built the wall and gates of Jerusalem. Before the arrival of Governor Nehemiah, the people who built the wall had been weak and discouraged by the dilapidation of the wall. This is how Hanani describes the whole situation “…The small band of Jews now living there in the land are in great trouble and shame: the wall of Jerusalem has been broken down, and its doorways burned with fire (Neh. 1:3).”
After Nehemiah charged the people their hands were strengthened. A various group of people from all works of life including women took their positions and started to restore the walls and the gates of Jerusalem. Shallum with the help of his daughters repaired a section (vs12). Eliashib the high priest, and his fellow priests went to work. Uzziel the goldsmiths, Hananiah, a perfume maker, and the leaders of the people took their sections and built. No one was left behind. They all work.
Today, be reminded that God has called you to be a builder, a repairer, and a restorer. You are not to sit and complain, you are to rise and build.
Prayer: Lord help me to build beauty out of ashes and honor out of shame. Help me to build a blessed life, a great business, and a safe community in whatever capacity you called me. Amen!
