Let us rise up and build (Nehemiah 2:9-20)

Four months Nehemiah prays for a breakthrough, and then with the king’s approval, he returns to Jerusalem to help them rise up and rebuild the temple. Jerusalem was once the city of God, but it had become the city of fools. Sometimes we can become so accustomed with brokenness, we forget it exists. In order to do something about brokenness, we have to first admit the problems exist.
Then we rise up and build. There is joy in the build, as God watches us step in faith to live for Jesus and serve him with our giftings and resources. With his hand upon us, we can do meaningful work, and everyone has a part to play. All 32 verses of Chapter 3 are basically a list of names, with the places they served, the things they built, and the people they were next to. May we, with God’s help, do the same in rebuilding the church.