READ: Nehemiah 11 and 12
Chapter 11 address the need to repopulate
Jerusalem. Most of the people lived in outer towns and villages; now that the
city was secure and the temple in service, the city needed to be filled. It
seems, though, that people weren’t lining up to get in. Moving meant picking up
homes and businesses, it meant stricter obedience to God’s Word as the temple
was in close proximity, it meant possible opposition from adversaries. Some
voluntarily moved, and Nehemiah calls them blessed. As for the rest, lots are
cast and 1 in 10 is chosen to relocate. The rest of the chapter gives a list of
names. This goes to show that walking out commitment is not always as easy as it
seems when the commitment is made. God may call us to something during a
worship service or a devotional time – it may be powerful and emotional. But
after the call comes the journey. Emotions won’t always stay high, and
sacrifice will be required. But there is reward for walking the path God brings
us on!
Chapter 12 gives a list of names of priests and
Levites from the time of Zerubbabel until Nehemiah’s time. Again, this is not
just a random list of names. The purpose here is to show that the priestly line
has continued uninterrupted; it has been sustained during a rather difficult
time of rebuilding and opposition.
And then the walls of the city are dedicated with
much joy and music! There are two choirs designated to go out, each along with
half of the leaders, Ezra with one group and Nehemiah with the other. In
dedication, they walk the walls and meet up at the temple for the remaining
ceremony. Again, it is a time of jubilation and worship for the whole assembly.
There is singing and sacrifice for the whole family – they make such a joyful
noise that they are heard from far away!
JOURNALING
AND PRAYER
1. What sacrifices have you made to follow Jesus?
Thank God for calling you to these sacrifices! You are sharing in the
sufferings of Christ, and that will bring reward in heaven!
2. Spend some time thinking about dedication as you
have seen it in the book of Nehemiah. The people were so joyful to commit their
city and themselves to God. What does this concept mean for us today? What does
it mean for you? I.e. Have you dedicated your children to the Lord? Do you take
this seriously? Have you dedicated your home to the Lord? Is your marriage
dedicated to God? – What should these things mean for us?
