The Wall That Unites | Nehemiah 3:15-27

SHOUT OUT: David Ager from Yuma, AZ. Thanks for using our Attributes for Men series to dig in with your men. I pray this is a blessing for all your men! Today (in the video), you will see a map showing this wall section. This text is the completion of the wall facing the Kidron Valley surrounding the City of David. This would have probably been a smattering of homes in Nehemiah's time. But in King David's time, it was the location of the Palace (which you will also see a model of in the video). The Temple sat right above this section, on the top of Mt. Moriah. So Nehemiah is building the wall surrounding a village below the Temple, which protects access to standard utilities like water, garbage, armory, and burial sites. This effort served to protect the community and the Temple of God. What Nehemiah accomplished was crystal clear to everyone. He wasn't just rebuilding a wall; he was rebuilding a community. This task somewhat mirrors the creation of a modern-day kibbutz. These Jewish community collectives, still thriving in Israel, embody a spirit of shared purpose, responsibility, and resources. They're peaceful, well-maintained areas showcasing the strength of community, mutual support, and collective security—values deeply ingrained in the early New Testament church. Now, let's shift the focus to the modern church. Today, the church is grappling with a similar challenge: finding ways to bring the church body together. And this is both a leadership and a congregational issue. Our leaders, God bless them, are often so preoccupied with the larger goals – growth, objectives, and operations – that they overlook giving ordinary members a chance to meaningfully engage in church life. Sometimes, it feels more like a business than a community. And then there's us, the members. Our individualistic tendencies have led us to treat church like just another item on our to-do list rather than a place to connect and contribute deeply. We're so tangled up in the busyness of life that our involvement in church often gets sidelined. But here's the deal. Just as Nehemiah stepped up, we, too, need leaders and members who will rekindle our sense of unity and purpose in church life. So, what's your next move going to be? Will Nehemiah's story be another historical lesson and maybe a source of inspiration for leadership, or will it take action? Here are a couple of practical steps you could take. First, invite your pastor for a coffee or lunch. Use it as an opportunity for a conversation about how you and your family can engage more deeply and utilize your gifts in the church. Second, why not have a sit-down with your family over a meal? Use it to discuss how you all can collectively contribute more meaningfully to your church community. But don't do nothing. That is not why I write these devotionals. ASK THIS: Reflecting on Nehemiah's efforts to rebuild the walls around Jerusalem, in what ways can we, as individuals or as a small group, contribute to strengthening the communal and spiritual "walls'" of our church today? Consider both the practical aspects (like volunteering or participating in church activities) and the spiritual aspects (such as prayer and fostering a sense of community). Considering the modern challenge of balancing individualism with communal responsibility in the church, discuss personal experiences or observations where this balance has been achieved or where it has been lacking. How can we better integrate our individual talents and resources to enhance the collective well-being and spiritual growth of our church community? DO THIS: Prepare for one of the discussions above, but don't do nothing. PRAY THIS: Father, grant me the wisdom and strength to follow in Nehemiah's footsteps, to actively contribute to the building and unification of our church community. Help me to balance my individual journey with the collective needs of our congregation, fostering a spirit of togetherness and purpose in Your name. Amen. PLAY THIS: Heal Our Land. Check out other all Vince Miller's videos and audios for small groups at: https://beresolute.org/ Get Vince's most widely read resources The Daily Devotional at: https://beresolute.org/mdd Check out more ALL IN products like the one Vince is wearing at: https://beresolute.org/product-category/all-in-hats/ ____________________________________________________________________________________ Connect with Vince socially: FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/millervince INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/vinceleemiller LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincemiller TWITTER: https://twitter.com/vinceleemiller