October 10, 2015:  SOAP #2137:

Scripture:  Nehemiah (NIV) 3:1 Eliashib the high priest and his fellow priests went to work and rebuilt the Sheep Gate. They dedicated it and set its doors in place, building as far as the Tower of the Hundred, which they dedicated, and as far as the Tower of Hananel. 2 The men of Jericho built the adjoining section, and Zaccur son of Imri built next to them…4 Meremoth son of Uriah, the son of Hakkoz, repaired the next section. Next to him Meshullam son of Berekiah, the son of Meshezabel, made repairs, and next to him Zadok son of Baana also made repairs. 5 The next section was repaired by the men of Tekoa, (NOTE:  the word “next” is used 24 times in this chapter.)

Observation:  Starting at the Sheep Gate in verse one, and all around the city back to the Sheep Gate in verse 32, the city wall was repaired as each person took responsibility for the “next section.”  They loved their city and they knew the danger of enemy attacks, so they worked together.  They picked up where their neighbor’s section ended and worked to where the next neighbor would be working.

Application:   I need to be a person who loves my church and understands the attacks of the enemy.  I need to be willing to pick up where someone else left off.  I need to be willing to work next to others and help fill in the ministry wall.  Sometimes it is taking on the next responsibility; sometimes it is just doing what comes next.

Prayer:   Lord, I want you to find me faithful to build the next section, mend the next section, and/or man the next section of the wall.  I want to joyfully work next to others.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!