Nehemiah 11:1 And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts to dwell in other cities. 2 And the people blessed all the men, that willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem. 3 Now these are the chief of the province that dwelt in Jerusalem: but in the cities of Judah dwelt every one in his possession in their cities, to wit, Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon’s servants.
Nehemiah took time to mention names. The success of the construction of the walls depended on the people. The success of a church is usually attributed to the pastor. He has only a part in the overall success. Behind me are volunteers who carry on the work. Did Nehemiah lay all the blocks? Did he install the gates? No. He depended on others. Let’s look at a few things.
First, there were the deeds of the nameless. There were many more not named, but they were vital to the work. He recognized those who moved into the city. Some were drafted into moving, but they did it anyway. Others were moved by God. Let’s get interested. Say “Lord, here am I. Use me.” There were 822 who worked inside the temple. Some worked outside, such as landscaping. Some were common laborers. God saw it all as important. We need everyone. If you can’t do one thing well, we need prayer warriors to get in touch with God. Verse 17 says And Mattaniah the son of Micha, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, was the principal to begin the thanksgiving in prayer. In verse 22 there’s a list of singers. There is always a need for various types of ministry. As our nation moves farther away from God, the fields get whiter and whiter for the harvest. The lost need to know Jesus.
Second, there are some truths to learn. (1) You’re important, every single one of you. I’ll give an account as pastor. Men, God will hold you responsible for the home. You may let your kids do their own thing, but God will hold you responsible. I can’t do everything. Other people teach, sing and do many other jobs and each is important. (2) Each of you has a specific ministry in a team effort. We must always lay aside the petty stuff and reach the lost. Let Jesus be the focus of the work. (3) Remember every labor of love is not forgotten. Determine your motive for service. If you love God, serving him will be enjoyable. (4) God uses the insignificant. First Corinthians 1:25-29 says Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. Why would God choose the foolish and weak and base things of the world? The answer is in verse 29. That no flesh should glory in his presence. It’s not about us; it’s about HIM! Moses wasn’t eloquent in his speech. He said he was incapable of leading Israel. God used him. Gideon confessed his inferiority complex. God used him. The disciples weren’t of noble birth. They were “ignorant and unlearned men”. God used them. God uses the usable. Have you ever used a shoe to hammer a nail? I have. The hammer wasn’t close by. I used my shoe because it was available. Make yourself available to God. Present yourself usable to God and he will use you. (5) Our final rewards are based on faithfulness, not public applause. You may not get recognized by others, but if God recognizes you, that’s all that matters. He keeps a record. He esteems faithfulness above all. Revelation 2:10 says be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. And I Corinthians 4:2 says Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. You’re a steward of all you possess. Are you a faithful steward of your time? Of your talent? Of your money? Use all you have for the Lord and use it faithfully. Everyone of you is important to the work.
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 