Sometimes, life feels like a chaotic trip to Walmart with the whole family—everyone has a job, but if we’re not working together, the mission falls apart. In Nehemiah 3, we see a radically different picture: God’s people, from every walk of life, stepping up side by side to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem. They didn’t wait for someone else to act or argue over details. Instead, they each picked up their brick, found their place, and worked together for a purpose bigger than themselves. This is the kind of collaborative faithfulness God calls us to in our own community—not to rebuild ancient walls, but to rebuild the gospel mission right here, right now.
The story begins with spiritual leaders leading by example, not waiting for instructions but rising up and dedicating their work to the Lord. It’s a reminder that faithfulness isn’t about being flawless, but about surrender and presence. Whether you’re a parent, a teacher, or just someone who loves Jesus, your example matters. Others are watching, and your willingness to step up can inspire a whole generation.
Nehemiah 3 also highlights people serving outside their comfort zones. Goldsmiths and perfumers—folks used to delicate work—grabbed hammers and got their hands dirty. God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called. Obedience often begins where comfort ends, and God uses our availability more than our ability.
Families worked together, too. Shalom, a ruler, brought his daughters to build alongside him, showing that faith is caught as much as it is taught. Our children and spiritual family learn what matters most by watching what we sacrifice for and how we serve.
But collaboration isn’t enough; commitment is required. Some people took on the dirtiest jobs, like repairing the dung gate, serving where it stinks because faithfulness is proven in the thankless places. Others, like Baruch, worked with zeal and holy hustle, giving their all even when no one was watching. The people of Tekoa came back for a second round, finishing what they started even when their leaders wouldn’t help.
Finally, courage is needed, especially when the mission hits close to home. Many rebuilt the wall right outside their own houses, putting themselves and their families on the front lines. Real bravery begins on your block—right where you live, work, and worship. The enemy attacks where the stakes are highest, but God calls us to stand firm, pick up our brick, and build anyway.
Ultimately, none of this is possible until Jesus rebuilds us from the inside out. The gospel is not about fixing ourselves to serve God, but about Jesus stepping into our brokenness, carrying our burdens, and inviting us to join Him in His mission. So, whether you’ve never trusted Christ or you’ve set down your brick, now is the time to step up, show up, and pick up your brick. Together, God will build something eternal.
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Nehemiah 3 (ESV) — (Read the whole chapter together, or select key verses: 1, 8, 12, 14, 20, 23, 27)
Romans 12:6,11 (ESV) — 6 “Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them…”
11 “Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.”
Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV) — 23 “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”
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