The happiest Christians seem to be those who are involved, working hard – definitely contributing and very much a part of it. It seems that some of the unhappiest and most miserable people are those who remain on the sidelines taking potshots at those who are trying to do something. These people always know how things ‘should’ be done and seem to think it’s their role in life to spend their time just criticizing, condemning, and being negative about all that is happening.
We can’t even imagine the enthusiasm of the Jews as they responded to the outstanding leadership of Nehemiah in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. Ever since Nebuchadnezzar stormed the city, its great walls and gates had been broken and burned and lying in ruins. For those who loved the city it was a pathetic sight – a sorry state for such a privileged city. But now Nehemiah has a vision in his mind of restoring and rebuilding the walls of the great city – no small undertaking. The people enthusiastically responded to his vision.
And they said, “Let us rise up and build.” So they strengthened their hands for the good work. Nehemiah 2:18
The mammoth restoration project was launched enthusiastically. Nehemiah 3 records the names of those who got involved and took responsibility for some aspect of the project.
Fathers, daughters and sons, priests, princes, merchants and goldsmiths – everyone worked side by side. They were united, committed and focused and things were booming! But the record shows there was one exception. Check this out:
And next to them Zadok the son of Baana repaired. And next to them the Tekoites repaired, but their nobles would not stoop to serve their Lord. Nehemiah 3:4-5
Everyone else gladly working side by side but for some reason, those nobles standing over there contributed nothing. Have you ever wondered what their problem was? Were they miffed over not getting to wear the white hats that supervisors wear on construction sites? Were they not asked to participate in the ‘right’ way? Perhaps they weren’t the first to hear about it so they felt slighted. How petty we can become! “Everyone else was personally asked but I heard about it through the grapevine!” Sniffle. Sniffle. Or, maybe the work was too menial, too small, too insignificant for them – after all, they were the non-stooping nobles!
Lots of people want to be spiritual couch-potato consultants and evangelical armchair advisors but refuse to get their hands dirty. They sit in coffee shops and in kitchens or stand in parking lots with plenty of opinions and lots to say. “I don’t mean to be critical but did you notice …?” or “I can’t believe they would be so foolish as to actually think….!” or “That’s no way to go about it. They should be…” or “If they had asked me, I would have said….” or “There is no way they should ever…”
Who is the loser in these situations? The nobles who refused to stoop to serve their Lord. They were the big-time losers. Perhaps they only saw it as Nehemiah’s project – when in fact it was an opportunity to serve the Lord. Maybe they couldn’t get beyond his personality or approach. The project went ahead without them. The job got done.
Today there is a multi-faceted work going on for the Lord. There is more than enough for all to be fully engaged. The work is diverse – requiring all aptitudes and abilities. There is no reason for anyone to be idle for the Lord in 2021. It’s happening and it’s exciting. Am I involved in God’s great eternally significant enterprise or am I one of the non-stooping nobles of 2021?
“Lord preserve me from the attitude of the nobles. Open my eyes and my heart to do whatever You want me to do today. I want to be a willing, enthusiastic and competent worker for You. With Your help, I will stoop to serve my Lord.”
Walk carefully and closely with the Lord today.
Warmly in Christ,
Peter Ramsay
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