Daily Devotions
So the wall was completed … in fifty-two days … They realized that this work had been done with the help of our God. Nehemiah 6:15-16
Building project complete! Walls rebuilt in 52 days. A major accomplishment. Despite the constant opposition, Nehemiah completes the city walls. Yes, the people build with all their hearts. Yes, Nehemiah is a capable leader. But something far more significant leads to this amazing result.
God is the builder! He wants those walls completed. He wants the faithful remnant to praise Him again in Jerusalem. God’s people know who deserves credit. They assemble to hear Ezra read the Law from daybreak to noon (see Nehemiah 8:2-3). They then thank and praise God in celebration with Nehemiah’s reminder: “The joy of the LORD is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). And even the enemies of the Jews must recognize the rebuilt city walls as God’s building project. We are told they lose their self-confidence, “because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God.”
When we participate in the physical building of a church or Christian school, we certainly rejoice when the project is complete. When we see a Christian fellowship growing in size, depth, and closeness, we feel a sense of accomplishment. Yes, people work together with all their heart. Yes, faithful pastors and lay members provide good leadership. But something far more significant is involved.
God is the builder! He wants His church to grow and serve Him. He built His church on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Jesus Christ as the chief Cornerstone. Christ gave His life for the church. We assemble to hear His life-changing Word and to celebrate God’s grace in sacramental worship. Even enemies of the Gospel have to recognize that “this work has been done with the help of our God.”
PRAYER: Dear Father, think You for the privilege of participating in Your building project. Amen.
(Devotions from “My Daily Devotion” by Dr. Stephen J. Carter, copyright 1988 CPH. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be printed, reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission of Concordia Publishing House. Permission is granted for one-time emailing of this link to a friend. For ordering information, please contact CPH at 800-325-3040 or visit www.cph.org.)