R e v e l a t i o n

DevotionTWENTY-FOUR: Working Together

Have u read the book of Nehemiah (chapter3) before? It can be quite discouraging to come to a chapter like this because it consists largely of unpronounceable names and long-forgotten people! But this chapter tells of a story of the work of repairing the gates and walls of Jerusalem that Nehemiah had been sent to do.


Nehemiah 3:1-10
1 Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brothers the priests, and they built the Sheep Gate. They consecrated it and set its doors. They consecrated it as far as the Tower of the Hundred, as far as the Tower of Hananel. 2 And next to him the men of Jericho built. And next to them Zaccur the son of Imri built...5 And next to them the Tekoited repaired, but their nobls would not stoop to serve their Lord...10 Next to them Jedaiah the son of Harumaph repaired opposite their house.

Wow! Thats really quite a mouthful of names, isnt it?

All through this account, you would have noticed the phrase "next to him" worked so and so, and "next to him" worked others. The writer takes note not only the workers but also the shirkers (those who shirks their responsibility).

Did u know God records slackers too? When people will not take up their ministry, God puts their name down in that column as well.

Notice they also worked near their home. Verse 10: Jedaiah "made repairs opposite his house". Verse 23 tells of certain men who "made repairs in front of their house". So what does this mean?
God has placed us strategically where He wants us to be. Your neighbourhood, office or home is where your ministry should be. That is why God put you there. This is brought out beautifully as we watch these people labouring in their neighbourhood.

Finally each one completed his assigned task. They kept on until they had finished their work. Some had more work to do than the others, but no one failed - except the 'nobles' who would not dirty their hands.

Even as some of us take on certain ministries, we may encounter many difficulties. Like fitting in rehearsal time into our schedule, joining some extra courses to better enable ourselves in teaching / facilitating, working with people we may not feel comfortable with...

I remember sharing with you guys about me taking up this leader role, that I believe God may use it to help me become a more responsible person. Definitely, I had my struggles coming to accept this role as I know this would mean lesser me time.

Have u guys watched Evan Almighty? Morgan Freeman, acting as God, said something like this. If u prayed for family warmth / better relationship, do u think He just gives / bless u with that cozy, fuzzy feeling within your family members? No. He gives u opportunities (situations) that in these situations, the family may work together and so be more closely bonded with one another.
And when Evan prayed that he might be able to change the world, God gave him oppotunities to show / work towards how he may indeed change the world (in a manner Evan never thought or could imagine). That throughout, we notice how God (Morgan Freeman) equips Evan with the relevant tools and even help from the animals when no one was there to support him!



Keep on trusting in Him, and know that where He calls you to He will surely equip you.
Finally, lets continue doing our assigned task till its done, that we know then He is pleased.

I have learnt through the years that responsibility is always the mark of spiritual maturity. The most mature members in a congregation are those who stay with the work that has been assigned to them until it is done. - Ray Stedman