Nehemiah 3 – A Template for Success in Church Work

EVANGELISM ARTICLE | Joshua Welch | Anderson, Indiana

The book of Nehemiah takes place during the rule of the Persian Empire. By this time, Israel had been allowed to return from captivity, but the situation for the remnant Jews who returned to Jerusalem was dire. The protective walls around the city had been destroyed and burnt years ago during the captivity, and it left the people who were brave enough to return vulnerable. Therefore, the wall needed to be rebuilt. Nehemiah, the king’s cupbearer, took it upon himself to examine, plan, and oversee this massive project with the king’s providential blessing. Despite opposition in the work, Nehemiah and the people of Israel accomplished this great work together in less than two months (see Nehemiah 6:15). God blesses His people with success when His people put their minds and talents together to work.

God does not, today, ask us to rebuild the physical temple or Jerusalem’s wall. In fact, these may very well be Old Testament shadows looking ahead to the work He calls us to do in His church (see 1 Peter 2:4-7). However, there is undoubtedly work we are called to do. For example, we are called to evangelize (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; 2 Timothy 2:2). Our world is full of spiritual chaos. Much work is to be done in shining the gospel to a dark world in our neighborhoods, communities, cities, states, and nations. We are also called to “edify” one another within the body of Christ (see Ephesians 4:11-16). God expects certain people to fill certain God-ordained roles so the church can grow and mature. Some local churches are crumbling because destructive forces are breaking down the body of Christ rather than edification (building up) taking place. There is work to be done in our local churches. So, consider a few lessons from Nehemiah and the remnant, which provide us with a template for success in our spiritual work.

First, the work must be analyzed, communicated, and delegated (Nehemiah 2:11-18). Upon arrival, Nehemiah takes the time to analyze the problems by personally surveying the walls and gates of Jerusalem himself (2:11-15). Nehemiah says, “…the officials did not know where I had gone or what I had done; I had not yet told the Jews, the priests, the nobles, the officials, or the others who did the work” (2:16, NKJV). Now, imagine if Nehemiah had left it that way. Imagine if he had seen the problems but never tried to communicate them or the solutions. Imagine if he just tried to do it himself. Good leaders openly communicate when problems exist. Clear and transparent communication is kind. It allows others to be aware and to be involved collectively in the solution. Just one man cannot fix some problems. It would have been unfair to expect Nehemiah to shoulder the load alone, just as it is often unfair to ask one man to do the church’s work. Nehemiah exhibits wisdom because he calls together the leaders so the work might be delegated amongst Israel! Nehemiah 2:17-18 says, “Then I said to them, ‘You see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lies waste, and its gates are burned with fire. Come and let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer be a reproach.’ And I told them of the good hand of my God which had been good upon me, and also of the king’s words that he had spoken of me. So they said, ‘Let us rise up and build.’ Then they set their hands to this good work.” Success required a change in pronouns: from “I” to “they.” Nehemiah could not do this job alone. Teamwork was necessary. This group involvement is precisely what happens as we begin to read Nehemiah 3.

Immediately, in Nehemiah 3, we learn successful leaders need to set the tone (Nehemiah 3:1). Notice who is pointed out as one of the first groups to get involved in the work. Nehemiah 3:1 says, “Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests and built the Sheep Gate; they consecrated it and hung its doors…” The “high priest” and “the priests” are setting an example as the work begins. They do not sit on their hands while others work. They are an example others might follow. One of the most simple, basic roles of leaders is to set an example others might follow. The “shepherds” of Israel noted by Ezekiel 34:1-9 failed in that most basic duty. The religious leaders of the first century also were failing in that regard. Jesus says of those watching “the scribes and Pharisees” that they should “not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do” (Matthew 23:3). However, as the Lord established His church, both “evangelists” such as Timothy and “elders” were called to be “examples” (see 1 Timothy 4:12; 1 Peter 5:3). We cannot expect others to be involved in a work we are unwilling to do. Leaders who tell others to work without doing work will be far less effective than those who get involved in the work themselves. We must be the change we want to see.

Thirdly, we also learn people will notice when you are a no-show (Nehemiah 3:5). Workers encourage momentum while absentees discourage the group. Nehemiah 3:5 says, “…the Tekoites made repairs; but their nobles did not put their shoulders to the work of their Lord.” Schools notice when students are absent from class. Most schools try to address absenteeism quickly because truancy will often lead to failure in our academic achievements. Likewise, most workplaces will also notice when workers constantly no-show. It leads others to become dispirited when their co-workers do not show, but it also leads others to believe they can vanish from work whenever desired. This is no way to run a productive business. The same principle rings true with the work we do for the Lord, the most important work of all! People notice when those who are a part of the group constantly neglect the work and efforts of the group. Those who show up encourage and inspire. Those who “forsake the assembling of ourselves together” (the purpose of which is to “stir up love and good works”) in our work discourage and dispirit (Hebrews 10:24-25). So, learn from the absentee no-show “nobles” who relaxed at home while others carried the load.

Fourthly, Nehemiah 3 helps us realize there is work to do for all! Notice the various groups of people mentioned within this text. There are “rulers” and “priests” doing the work of rebuilding the wall and gates (Nehemiah 3:1, 12-19). Both men and women are doing the work. Nehemiah 3:12 says “Shallum” was there with “his daughters” making “repairs.” There are professional tradesmen there on the wall, such as “goldsmiths” and “perfumers” and “merchants” (3:8, 32). Even some “outsiders” come from Jericho, Tekoa, and Gibeon (3:2, 5, 7). There is work to be done, and workers can be used from all walks of life to help with the Lord’s work (Galatians 3:27-28). First Corinthians 12:13-22 emphasizes the importance of appreciating the diversity of people and gifts and talents within the Lord’s church. People from all walks of life make up the body of Christ, and there is work for all to do.

Fifthly, Nehemiah 3 shows us the value of those who go the extra mile in their work. There is a phrase used in Nehemiah 3:11, 19, 20, 21, 24, 27, and 30. The phrase is “another section” or “other section.” If my understanding is correct, the idea behind this phrase is that the people assigned to repair certain parts of the wall completed their section and went on to complete “another section” beyond what they were expected. Can you see the application already? How many times do we do the bare minimum of what we are asked or expected? We often do just enough to say we did our job. Yet, would it not be wonderful if every worker in the Lord’s kingdom did more than expected or was needed? This attitude is most certainly consistent with the spirit of Christ. Jesus once said, “And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two” (Matthew 6:41). This passage is where the phrase “go the extra mile” comes from in Scripture. The “extra mile” attitude is the attitude workers for the Lord should have. If we “sow bountifully” we will “reap bountifully” (2 Corinthians 9:6). Those who go above and beyond help the Lord’s work be done more quickly and efficiently and leave a positive impact upon others who witness their dedication and commitment.

Finally, accomplishing the Lord’s work all starts with a positive mindset. Whenever the Lord’s people plan to do something, there will be doubters and discouragers. For Nehemiah, those devilish discouragers came in the person of Sanballat and Tobiah (Nehemiah 4:1-5). They did everything they were legally allowed to do to try and cast doubt and throw derision in the direction of Nehemiah and Israel. So, how did Israel overcome these enthusiasm-killers? Nehemiah 4:6 says, “So we built the wall, and the entire wall was joined together up to half its height, for the people had a mind to work.” That phrase “a mind to work” is where it all starts. We must make up our mind if we do God’s will in God’s way, and we are not going to let anyone or anything stop our efforts. Romans 12 indicates if we will ever “present your bodies a living sacrifice,” then we must make up our minds to “not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (12:1-2). It starts with the “mind.” Make your mind up to serve the Lord no matter what obstacle arises, and the body will follow with a life of action. May God bless you in your work as He did Nehemiah and Israel in their work together for Him.

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October 2021 | GROW magazine