Nehemiah 3 & 4: The High Priest
Verse of the Day: (3:1) Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests, and they builded the sheep gate; they sanctified it, and set up the doors of it; even unto the tower of Meah they sanctified it, unto the tower of Hananeel.
1. Priest (3:1-10)
And next unto them the Tekoites repaired; but their nobles put not their necks to the work of their Lord. (3:5)
Leadership by example. There is no short-cut for leaders as in the case of the high priest rising up with his priests to rebuild the ruined gates and walls. Not only did they repaired the walls but they sanctified the repairs to God for all that He had done for and through them. Indeed, there was great leadership and teamwork in action as each family repaired the damaged piece. However even with great leadership and teamwork there would still be some, even within the people of Israel, who refused to put their necks to the work of God, like the Tekoites nobles. Let us thus look to Jesus, our High Priest, who set the highest example for us, when He gave His life on the cross for the sins of the world that whoever believes in Him shall never perish but have everlasting life. (Hebrews 9:11-22)
2. Piece (3:11-32)
Malchijah the son of Harim, and Hashub the son of Pahath-moab, repaired the other piece, and the tower of the furnaces. (3:11)
Every piece of the jigsaw puzzle is important as they make the full picture of the puzzle. Nehemiah and the people knew that every piece of the walls was vital as they diligently repaired it. Indeed, every soul is precious to God as He seeks to save whoever believes in Him, and all His angels rejoice over one sinner who repents of his sins. (Luke 15:8-10)
3. Prayer (4:1-23)
Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them. (4:9)
Prayer is the source of power for Christians. Nehemiah knew that unless he and his people prayed to God for power, strength and wisdom, they would never be able to complete the rebuilding of the city and walls amid much opposition, discouragement and even death threat. One of the most effective weapons that Satan uses to hinder God and His people is discouragement. Satan used Sanballat and his Samaritan army to discourage Nehemiah and his people by mocking them that they would never be able to repair the walls as they were too weak. However, Nehemiah and his people continued to pray and rebuild, and eventually completed the rebuilding project. Indeed, let us pray to Jesus, our High Priest, amid life crises, and He shall hear and answer us, and show us great and mighty things that are beyond our imagination and understanding. (Hebrews 4:14-16)
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, thank You, that Jesus Christ, our High Priest, shall intercede for us.
