Dec
14
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Route 365
12/14/2010 5:00 AM
Week 50 : Day 2
Nehemiah 11:1-12-26
by Rob Cattalani
With the wall of the city rebuilt the larger purposes of this effort could be carried forth. The wall was there to protect the city; the city and the temple were central to the restoration of the people of God. With the wall built it now had to be populated by people who could attend to its defense. This was done with a cross section of people from the surrounding towns of Judah. Lots were cast to determine who would stay in Jerusalem and who would go back to their hometowns. However many men volunteered to live there, zealous for their God and eager to serve the national restoration. Careful attention is given to the resettlement of the Jewish people, in and outside of Jerusalem. The listing of names not only points to the success of the reforms—people resettling in the areas around Jerusalem—but highlights the return of those people back in service to God. They are back living within their covenantal responsibilities—back in the place of God’s purpose and blessing.
This section highlights the larger purpose at work in this book—God’s restoration of his people. Not simply a restoring of place but one of purpose. Despite their long disobedience God brought his people back where they could live the life he intended them to live. He does the same for us today. He is not satisfied with simply forgiving our sins and restoring our fellowship. He desires his people, his church, to fully step into the larger purposes he intended—influence in a world without hope. As God knew these leaders by name he knows us and seeks to place each of us in a particular place in his service. Are you joyfully serving him today? Have you willingly offered yourself to a place of ministry in the church?
Your fellow traveler,
Pastor Rob
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2 comment(s) so far...
Re: God Purpose in Restoration
Today I'm camping on "As God knew these leaders by name, he knows us and seeks to place each of us in a particular place in his service" Thanks.
By Karen Wood on
12/14/2010 9:10 AM
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Re: God Purpose in Restoration
Great insight Karen. This is just as true for us today as it was for them in their day. See Jesus words in his great sermon to the church (Matt. 6.25-34). Prayers for you now.
By Rob Cattalani on
12/15/2010 11:47 AM
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