This three word phrase , “next to them” appears over and over again in Nehemiah chapter three. And it’s key to any successful church endeavor.
Here are a couple examples…
3 The sons of Hassenaah built the Fish Gate. They laid its beams and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars. 4 And next to them Meremoth the son of Uriah, son of Hakkoz repaired. And next to them Meshullam the son of Berechiah, son of Meshezabel repaired. And next to them Zadok the son of Baana repaired. 5 And next to them the Tekoites repaired, but their nobles would not stoop to serve their Lord.[b]
Thirty-eight different groups of people are identified here, and they worked in at least eight different locations. They did not, however, work as independent islands or with a silo mentality. And they didn’t just work on the wall. This was a mission to restore worship of the one true God in Jerusalem. So they worked on the temple, the wall, and their homes. In other words, they worked together on the church, a defense of the truth, and their families. These are the building blocks of any great society—these are the things that once made our nation great, and the only things that can make it great again!
Notice, a few other things with me. Notice that there was no church within a church mentality—a mindset that can kill a church and, though I don’t have the statistics to prove it—I would guess the single greatest contributor to thousands of church schisms and splits each and every year.
What is it? It’s when an individual ministry within a larger church begins to function as it’s own church—complete with its own vision and it’s own pastor. It’s not rare—far from it—It’s probably the most common issue we pastors have to watch out for. In fact, over the years every single pastor friend I have has shared multiple examples of how this problem surfaced at their church. But this problem isn’t new. You can see it right here in Nehemiah chapter three. Just read those verses of unity and common vision again—in fact, read the entire chapter and then ask yourself, “What doesn’t fit?”
Ready?
Go!
5 mins later…
Did you see it? It was ten words at the end of verse five,
“…but their nobles would not stoop to serve their Lord.”
Really? They wouldn’t stoop to serve their Lord?! Serving the God of the universe was condescending for them?
Yep. You read that right. Somehow they managed to elevate their own comfort and position over even that of God. They probably believed they had a better way of doing things than their leader. But they didn’t, so they just sat off to the side while everyone else pitched in to make something great for God! As a result, they would not be able to celebrate with the rest the incredible work God had done through the people of Jerusalem.
Friends, don’t miss out on the joy and fulfillment that comes from all believers working together in unity toward a God sized vision. And don’t ever think that God’s work is only for the hired guns. At Grace Community Church, we are committed to the truth that “every member is a minister.” And working together, we expect great big things from our great big God!
Making an Impact for Jesus!
Pastor Rob