Main Point and Overview:
Nehemiah was the visionary, but a vision without a plan, and people will not work! He understood the importance of teamwork, so he inspired and involved the people who were closest to the need. You have heard the phrase before: “There is no ‘I’ in team!” It’s 100% true! If we as a church are going to fully accomplish the vision that God has for us, we must be “all in” when it comes to the mission! Everyone plays a role. Everyone has a part. Everyone is needed. Each gate that had to be repaired carried important significance. Each tower that needed to be rebuilt carried important significance. Each person who participated in the process carried unique significance. One thing that is abundantly clear in this part of the story is that the people were of one mind in this project. In Nehemiah 3, the phrases “next to him” or “next to them” is used 18 times! If there is ever a story in the Bible that embodies teamwork, it’s this story. How about you and me? How are we fulfilling our God-given purpose here in this local church? Do we work well with people for a greater purpose, or do we find ourselves focused on what we want and how we want the ministry to run? Instead of fractured disunity, the Jews in Jerusalem were together for a purpose. Sadly, there would be a minority who would “push back” against the vision of Nehemiah and the will of God. It seems like there are always people who are unwilling to “get on board” in every church. These are the kinds of people who are more driven by popularity than purpose, opinion than opportunity, and selfishness than selflessness. Do NOT ever be this person because history will not be on your side if you do. Instead, be a team player, one who serves the Lord for the greater good of the Gospel. If there was ever a time to maximize individual impact in a church, it is now. We have incredible opportunities in front of us here at Emmanuel. These are opportunities that God has sovereignly brought to us. This is NOT the time to worry if these are attainable. They are attainable, only by the grace of God! So, how are you going to be a team player in the days to come? You are needed beyond what you can imagine! Let’s do our part…for God’s glory!
Nehemiah was the visionary, but a vision without a plan, and people will not work! He understood the importance of teamwork, so he inspired and involved the people who were closest to the need. You have heard the phrase before: “There is no ‘I’ in team!” It’s 100% true! If we as a church are going to fully accomplish the vision that God has for us, we must be “all in” when it comes to the mission! Everyone plays a role. Everyone has a part. Everyone is needed. Each gate that had to be repaired carried important significance. Each tower that needed to be rebuilt carried important significance. Each person who participated in the process carried unique significance. One thing that is abundantly clear in this part of the story is that the people were of one mind in this project. In Nehemiah 3, the phrases “next to him” or “next to them” is used 18 times! If there is ever a story in the Bible that embodies teamwork, it’s this story. How about you and me? How are we fulfilling our God-given purpose here in this local church? Do we work well with people for a greater purpose, or do we find ourselves focused on what we want and how we want the ministry to run? Instead of fractured disunity, the Jews in Jerusalem were together for a purpose. Sadly, there would be a minority who would “push back” against the vision of Nehemiah and the will of God. It seems like there are always people who are unwilling to “get on board” in every church. These are the kinds of people who are more driven by popularity than purpose, opinion than opportunity, and selfishness than selflessness. Do NOT ever be this person because history will not be on your side if you do. Instead, be a team player, one who serves the Lord for the greater good of the Gospel. If there was ever a time to maximize individual impact in a church, it is now. We have incredible opportunities in front of us here at Emmanuel. These are opportunities that God has sovereignly brought to us. This is NOT the time to worry if these are attainable. They are attainable, only by the grace of God! So, how are you going to be a team player in the days to come? You are needed beyond what you can imagine! Let’s do our part…for God’s glory!
Posted in Devotional