The People had a Mind to Work
Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the walls with the king's blessing and assistance. The king agreed to allow Nehemiah to go, and he provided the materials from the king's forests. That was a great help, but it was still a huge undertaking. Anything worth doing is difficult. However, when many people work together on a grand project, the work goes much faster and better. Nehemiah knew that, so he rallied the people to help rebuild small sections of the wall and the gates, so that no one group had an overwhelming portion. It wasn't long until they were half finished, because the people had a mind to work. (Nehemiah 4:6) This is a wonderful lesson for all believers and churches.
The work of the Lord today is a huge undertaking, too. I am not talking about building walls or even buildings. I am talking about making disciples, so our churches can grow and prosper. It is not the work of one person or the staff of the church. The Lord's work is for each and every born again believer. We all have a part in His grand work, and if we all have a mind to work, we can see much accomplished in a short time. Of course, we can't make disciples in our own power, but we must trust the Lord and be intentional about using our time and gifts to the glory of God. We can affect individuals to be and make disciples one at a time or in small groups, but we all can participate.
Through the growth of the present disciples into spiritual maturity, and their ministry to make more mature disciples, the whole world could be reached with the gospel through multiplication of disciples, and it could happen in a short time. However, it will only happen if we, the people of the Lord, have a mind to work.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Nehemiah 5-7.
The work of the Lord today is a huge undertaking, too. I am not talking about building walls or even buildings. I am talking about making disciples, so our churches can grow and prosper. It is not the work of one person or the staff of the church. The Lord's work is for each and every born again believer. We all have a part in His grand work, and if we all have a mind to work, we can see much accomplished in a short time. Of course, we can't make disciples in our own power, but we must trust the Lord and be intentional about using our time and gifts to the glory of God. We can affect individuals to be and make disciples one at a time or in small groups, but we all can participate.
Through the growth of the present disciples into spiritual maturity, and their ministry to make more mature disciples, the whole world could be reached with the gospel through multiplication of disciples, and it could happen in a short time. However, it will only happen if we, the people of the Lord, have a mind to work.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Nehemiah 5-7.