The Work of the Family
We know the story of Nehemiah well. Nehemiah was a cupbearer to the king. Upon finding out the current condition of Jerusalem, he asked the king for leave to take care of business. Now, it is important to remember that the first group of exiles had returned 90 years earlier. Their first task was rebuilding the temple, which was completed in 516 BC and then work just appeared to stop. They became complacent and okay with things just being the way they were.
I am sure they were tired, these people had never known a time of peace and stability, but no matter the justification, they stopped. They didn’t fight to build a wall to protect their families and well-being and allowed the opinions of others to slip them into a state of slumber. Because of this, Nehemiah traveled around 900 miles to get the work done, which was completed in a record 52 days! It most likely took Nehemiah longer to travel to Jerusalem than the work itself took. In those 52 days of work, the laborers were also on guard for attacks and had to work with a weapon in one hand and a tool in the other
“Our enemies learned that we knew all about their plan and that God had frustrated it. And we went back to the wall and went to work. From then on half of my young men worked while the other half stood guard with lances, shields, bows, and mail armor. Military officers served as backup for everyone in Judah who was at work rebuilding the wall. The common laborers held a tool in one hand and a spear in the other. Each of the builders had a sword strapped to his side as he worked. I kept the trumpeter at my side to sound the alert.”
Nehemiah 4:15-18
There is so much more to this rich history, but the point I want to make is this; an outsider had to come to get the work of the city done. Nehemiah was a Jew, yes, but he had never lived in Jerusalem. He was born in Persia and remained in Susa serving the king but his heart ached for the land of his people and for the righteousness of the Lord to be revealed.
Galatians 6:9 tells us, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
We can easily fall into the trap of complacency, weariness, and slumber when we look inward or at our circumstances. However, when behold our King and His might we are strengthened and filled with everything we need to continue the work towards a great harvest. When we look to Him as our strength we will lose all desire to sit back and consume what is fed to us and instead we will work towards the goal of feeding others.
I heard a pastor once speak about thanksgiving and how he loves how the family comes together and everyone shares the load of making a feast and cleaning up. One thing he loathed was peeling potatoes, but he loves mashed potatoes. Obviously, someone has to take on the task of peeling the potatoes if there are going to be mashed potatoes. He would take on the task every year not because he was good at it but because he saw the need. Year after year, I am sure many family members looked on and thought, “he really enjoys peeling potatoes,” or maybe, “he is so gifted at peeling potatoes. It must be an anointing.” In reality, he saw a need and filled it, even if it was his least favorite task.
This is one value I am desperately trying to teach my kids and I am delighted to see them often walking in (though it tends to show less at home). When they see a need, they fill it to the best of their ability. Each year our family volunteers at a hot air balloon festival. The kids beg to be there the entire day filling any need they can. We end each night by joyfully picking up trash out of a field, often until 11pm. Nobody wants to pick up trash, it is the hardest volunteer position to fill. I assure you, my children are not fans of picking up trash either, but they do it with joy. It is not a talent, calling, or anointing, it is an act of service and love for others.
“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Galatians 5:13-14
Brothers and Sisters, I encourage you that out of your freedom you will look to others' needs and see how you can serve one another in love. Not out of obligation or slavery, but from a burning desire to see the Body of Christ made more beautiful and perfectly prepared.