The book of Nehemiah is an overflowing treasure chest for those engaged in city building. We see the prayer and anguish of Nehemiah when he hears about the state of his city. We might share that anguish as we look at the growing hatred and institutional poverty in our cities.
A key element of the Nehemiah story is the way he inspires and leads hundreds of city builders. More than that he names them, he honours their contribution as singers, Levites, Priests and wall builders. For 2,500 years people have been reading Nehemiah and celebrating those who stood with him – not just the leaders but those who literally got their hands dirty rebuilding their city.
So, three challenges
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- Do we honour our equivalents of Baruch son of Zebbai – “who zealously repaired another section from the angle to the entrance of the house of Eliashib the high priest.” Neh 3:20. If we are deliberate about rebuilding our city do we find the Baruch’s of our day – those who help shape our city? Do we get them to share their testimony? Do we pray for them? Nehemiah wants us to know Baruch is zealous, that the men of Tekoa (without their nobles) did two wall sections, the perfumers built some wall. He is giving them honour. How well do we honour the city builders?
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- Do we support Baruch son of Zebbai? We are told the wall builders were despised and insulted, they became weary, they became fearful of attack. Nehemiah tells the leaders – “Our God is great and awesome, fight for your families, your sons and daughters, your wives and your homes.” They provide armed support. Baruch had people standing with him.
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- Do we celebrate our city builders – the whole city celebrates the work of the wall builders with choirs and feasting. Nehemiah then wants to honour those who lead the city in worship – because “they offered great sacrifices, rejoicing because God had given them great joy” Neh. 12:43
For 2,500 years people have been reading Nehemiah and celebrating those who stood with him – not just the leaders but those who literally got their hands dirty rebuilding their city.
At first glance the book of Nehemiah is a story of one heroic figure. Look more deeply and we will see it is a story of many many people who rebuilt their city under the direction of God. I think we need to be overt about honoring the city builders – this is important to us! Those who build the city’s health, the city’s children, the city’s neighborhoods, the city’s politics, the city’s arts. A culture of honour should exist between churches – whilst we build one section of the wall, the next section and the section after that belongs to someone else and we want them to succeed. We want them to bring light into the darkness, to bring renewal into the city. It is essential to us that they succeed.
One final thought – what does this tell us about Nehemiah the leader? It tells us his focus is on getting the very best from others, he is defined by the quality and commitment of his city builders – how good are your city builders? Are they released, inspired, supported?
STEVE BOTHAM
Steve Botham is supporting and advising Gather Movement. Steve comes from a business background, having worked in senior roles in HR and Training in the Motor Industry and Financial Services. He was CEO of a Change and Consultancy firm and Chair of a Community Development “think tank”. Previously, Steve was Director of the World Prayer Centre in Birmingham. Steve is a regional connector for the Midlands and gives us a focus on prayer and workplace ministry.
Steve is married to Carol and they have 2 grown-up children.
