This section of the Old Testament book of Nehemiah no doubt inspired the writers of the New Testament on the topic of unity and teamwork. Nehemiah received the horrible news of the destruction of Jerusalem's wall and gates. He mourned, fasted, prayed to God, received permission from the king to inspect the wall for himself, and he successfully challenged the locals to help re-build the wall by reminding them of the disgrace and encouraging them with accounts of how God had blessed his efforts so far.

In part four of my series on Nehemiah, we will take a look at Nehemiah's plan to re-build the wall and gates of Jerusalem and restore the dignity of God's people, the Jews.

“Eliashib the high priest and his fellow priests went to work and rebuilt the Sheep Gate. They dedicated it and set its doors in place, building as far as the Tower of the Hundred, which they dedicated, and as far as the Tower of Hananel. The men of Jericho built the adjoining section, and Zaccur son of Imri built next to them!” (Neh. 3:1-2)

This is just a small portion of the scripture detailing who built what. The point I want you to get is that the Jewish people had a common goal. And even though they were from all walks of life, they each had a job to do that was equally important as the next guy's. When they received threats, they watched out for each other. At least for a time, half the people built, while the other half stood guard, especially at the low points of the wall and near families.

This is also the way a church family is supposed to operate. Let's read what Paul says in Romans 12:4-6. “Just as each one of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us…” Paul also says in Galatians 6:2 to “Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” James says, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”

We will all experience low points in life when the devil is trying to knock us down. That's when we need a Christian brother or sister to help guard our section of the wall. And depending on the kind of attack, we may need to call on a brother or sister who has talents in a particular area such as prayer, listening, encouragement, teaching, or serving. The point is that we can all be used to God's glory in overcoming the devil's schemes.

Next week we will look at Nehemiah's victory.

Reach Barrett Vanlandingham at Fort Gibson Church of Christ, 478-2222 or ftgcoc_barrett@sbcglobal.net.