How can we encourage others to join in God's work, like Nehemiah did? Setting the Scene “Then I said to them, ‘You can see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates are burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, so that we will no longer be a reproach.’ ” (Nehemiah 2:17) Recognize and Name the Need - Nehemiah does not gloss over the rubble; he points to it. - People rarely mobilize until the problem is clearly defined (cf. Romans 13:11). - Be honest about broken walls—whether they are marriages, ministries, or moral standards. Tie the Need to God’s Honor - “so that we will no longer be a reproach” shifts focus from personal comfort to divine reputation (1 Samuel 17:26). - When God’s glory is the motive, listeners feel the weight of something bigger than themselves. - Remind others: “Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). Share Evidence of God’s Favor - Nehemiah immediately follows with his testimony: “I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me” (2:18). - Personal stories of answered prayer, open doors, or changed hearts prove that the assignment already has heaven’s endorsement (Revelation 12:11). - This moves the conversation from “Can we?” to “God already is.” Present a Clear, Action-Oriented Plan - Nehemiah’s vision is specific: “Rebuild the wall.” - Vague appeals breed passivity; concrete steps invite response (Proverbs 29:18). - Break the vision into doable tasks—just as Nehemiah later assigns each family a section of the wall (3:1-32). Invite Partnership, Not Spectatorship - “Come, let us rebuild” (2:17) places Nehemiah shoulder-to-shoulder with the people. - Use “we,” not “you.” The call is communal (Philippians 1:27). - Value every role—gate-repairers, goldsmiths, perfumers alike (Nehemiah 3:8). Model Faith-Filled Courage - Opposition comes quickly (2:19). Nehemiah answers with unshaken confidence: “The God of heaven will give us success” (2:20). - Bold leaders give others permission to be brave (Joshua 1:6-9). - Demonstrate prayer, perseverance, and integrity under pressure. Reinforce with the Word - Hebrews 10:24: “Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:11: “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up.” - Ephesians 2:10: We are “created in Christ Jesus for good works…that we should walk in them.” - These passages confirm that every believer is designed and commanded to join God’s work. Practical Takeaways - Survey the landscape: identify visible ruins. - Link the rebuilding to God’s fame, not personal gain. - Share recent evidences of God’s activity. - Offer a clear next step for each person. - Stand in the trenches with those you invite. - Keep Scripture and God’s promises front and center. Following Nehemiah’s pattern turns casual observers into committed co-laborers, and broken walls into testimonies of God’s restoring power. |
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