So we rebuilt the wall, and all the wall was joined together to half its height; for the people had a mind to work. – Nehemiah 3:38
Here is a little history
The Babylonian empire defeated Israel and dispersed the Israelites throughout the empire. Jerusalem was sacked, the walls were destroyed. Then the Persians overtook the Babylonians.
This is where Nehemiah comes in. He learned of the condition of Jerusalem and was overcome with grief. He got the Persian king to let him go to Jerusalem to rebuild the wall, but he faced opposition. However, Nehemiah had God on his side. He told the remnant in Jerusalem why he was there and they got to work.
Rulers, perfume makers, goldsmiths, and merchants were just some of the people who contributed to rebuilding the wall. God didn’t find the best craftsmen; He used the people who were available. They were motivated to work because they had something great to work toward.
This is a beautiful picture of the church.
When we have a goal to get something done, we can do it together. We don’t need to be the best at anything, but if we give our best God can use it to do amazing things that we never would have thought possible.
