Nehemiah 11:10-36 – A Pioneering Spirit
As well as those chosen by lot to move into Jerusalem there were some who voluntarily decided to move into the city. It certainly appears that verse 2 is referring not to those chosen by lot, but to these other individuals who saw the need and decided to act. These volunteers were commended or blessed by the rest of the people. These people demonstrated the same kind of characteristics and courage needed in all times by those who seek to do a work for God, such as:
a. A willingness to give up previous comfort and security and embrace a new way of life in different circumstances.
b. Those who moved to Jerusalem had to change their social priorities – they left friends and families behind in their old towns and villages and had to find a new social circle in Jerusalem.
c. To live in a city that had been abandoned for seventy years would be to face challenges and hard work and possibly a struggle to make ends meet.
d. Although Jerusalem had restored walls, it was still going to be a target for many enemies round about and there would be many dangers that would have to be faced by those who were residents of the city.
The volunteers going into Jerusalem needed to be imbued with something of a pioneering spirit that would enable them to endure a measure of hardship and discomfort so that the work of God would progress and not be hindered.
There is a challenge here for every child of God! We may never be asked to leave our homes or even to move out of our congregation to begin a new work, but do we have the pioneering spirit of these volunteers and the willingness to put up with discomfort, danger, and hardship for the sake of the kingdom of God?
Questions
- Why does service to God require courage?
Prayer Points
- Pray that God would give you courage as you seek to serve him.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.