Sign Me Up!

Over the last two months, we have watched Nehemiah go through obstacle after obstacle as he worked with the Israelites to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. First he had to get the king’s permission to leave his position of cupbearer and head off to Jerusalem; keeping in mind that this same king, years before, had put a stop to the rebuilding of the walls. 

Once he was in Jerusalem and the building began, he faced ridicule from surrounding nations that wouldn’t go away. The amount of people opposing them grew and the form of opposition went from ridicule to physical threats of attack and others. Then, if that wasn’t enough, the rich Jews began to exploit their poorer neighbors and caused more problems. 

But despite all of the obstacles that Nehemiah and the Israelite people had to face, they completed the task with the help of God.

As we pick up the story in chapter 7, it tells us that Nehemiah had the doors and gates set up properly, he appointed guards, and assigned the people who would take care of the Temple. He also appointed a governor and a commander over the city. 

Now after all that Nehemiah had accomplished, one would think it’s time for a vacation… perfect time to sit back and admire what the Israelite's had accomplished.

But this is not what happened. 

There was still more to be done. 7:4 tells us that “the city was large and spacious, but the population was small, and none of the houses had been rebuilt.”

So Nehemiah gathers all the people together for registration, which is what we find in the bulk of chapter 7.

This list in Nehemiah, is an amazing list of people who have taken a stand for Christ. It is a list of people who have committed to living their lives to grow, serve, worship and share. These people have stood up, unashamed, and decided to make a difference in the lives of the people around them.

Their names are registered, and recorded… Are yours? 

Are you willing to stand up and be counted for the King of Kings? 

Are you on that list?????