Redeeming Work: Purpose, Pattern, People, and Place

Devotional

Day 1: Work Is God’s Good Design, Not a Punishment

From the very beginning, work was part of God’s plan for humanity, not a result of sin or a curse. In Genesis, God Himself worked in creation and then placed Adam in the Garden of Eden to work and keep it, showing that meaningful labor is a gift and a way to reflect God’s own character. Work is not a four-letter word to be dreaded, but a calling to participate in God’s ongoing creation and care for the world. When we see our daily tasks—whether at home, school, or the workplace—as opportunities to join God in His purposes, our perspective shifts from drudgery to dignity. [31:36]

Genesis 2:2-3, 15 (ESV)
2 And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. 3 So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation.
15 The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.

Reflection: How might your attitude toward your daily work change if you truly believed it was part of God’s good design for your life, not just a necessary evil?

Day 2: The Purpose of Our Work Is God’s Glory

Whatever we do, our work is meant to point to God and bring Him glory, not to serve our own acclaim or comfort. The people rebuilding Jerusalem’s wall in Nehemiah 3 weren’t just constructing a physical barrier—they were participating in God’s mission, making His name known. In the same way, our efforts, no matter how mundane or unnoticed, are full of purpose when done for Him. Even the smallest act, when offered to God, becomes a testimony to His greatness and a way for others to see His light through us. [37:25]

1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV)
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Reflection: What is one specific task you have today that you can intentionally dedicate to God’s glory, and how might that change the way you approach it?

Day 3: God Uses Ordinary People in Extraordinary Ways

God’s work is accomplished not just by the skilled or the powerful, but by all who are willing to say yes to His call. In Nehemiah 3, priests, goldsmiths, perfumers, rulers, and families all took part in rebuilding the wall—regardless of their background or expertise. God delights in using those the world might overlook, so that no one can boast except in Him. Your willingness and availability matter more to God than your qualifications, and He can use your unique gifts and circumstances for His purposes. [50:09]

1 Corinthians 1:26-29 (ESV)
26 For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; 28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, 29 so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.

Reflection: Where do you feel unqualified or inadequate in your current responsibilities, and how can you trust God to work through you anyway?

Day 4: God Has Planted You Where He Wants to Use You

Often, we look for purpose in far-off places or future dreams, but God’s pattern is to use us right where we are. Just as the builders in Nehemiah 3 repaired the wall near their own homes, God invites us to join Him in the work He is already doing in our immediate surroundings—our families, neighborhoods, workplaces, and communities. Instead of waiting for a grand calling elsewhere, ask God to open your eyes to the needs and opportunities right in front of you, trusting that He has placed you there for a reason. [43:26]

Acts 17:2-3 (ESV)
2 And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ.”

Reflection: Who is one person or what is one situation in your immediate environment where you sense God inviting you to make a difference today?

Day 5: All Our Work Points to the Lamb of God

The ultimate purpose of our work is to point others to Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. The rebuilding of the sheep gate in Nehemiah 3 foreshadowed Christ’s sacrifice, reminding us that our efforts are not just about earthly results but about proclaiming the excellencies of Him who called us out of darkness. Every task, when surrendered to God, becomes a way to reflect Christ’s love and invite others to know Him. Let your work be an act of worship that draws attention to the Savior who has done the ultimate work for us. [54:49]

John 1:29 (ESV)
The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”

Reflection: How can you use your work this week—no matter how ordinary—to point someone to the hope and grace found in Jesus?

Sermon Summary

As we approach Thanksgiving and reflect on the rhythms of our lives, it’s easy to see work as a burden—something to be endured, avoided, or simply tolerated until we can get to the “real” parts of life. But when we look at Nehemiah 3, we see a different vision. The people of God were called to a massive building project: a wall two and a half miles long, 40 feet high, and 10 feet thick. This was not a task for experts alone, but for everyone—priests, goldsmiths, perfumers, rulers, families, and ordinary people. Each person worked on the section of wall nearest to where they lived, showing us that God often calls us to serve right where we are.

Work is not a curse or a punishment. Even before sin entered the world, God placed Adam in the garden “to work it and keep it.” God Himself worked in creation and then rested, modeling for us a rhythm of meaningful labor and holy rest. Our work—whether in an office, at home, in school, or in our neighborhoods—is not meaningless busywork. It is an opportunity to glorify God, to make His name known, and to participate in His ongoing work in the world.

The pattern in Nehemiah 3 is clear: God uses ordinary people, in ordinary places, to accomplish extraordinary things for His glory. The work is not about our ability, but our willingness to say yes to God’s invitation. Sometimes, like the nobles of Tekoa, we may be tempted to think certain tasks are beneath us, but God honors those who humble themselves and join Him in what He is doing.

The chapter begins at the Sheep Gate, the entrance closest to the temple, where sacrifices were brought. This is a powerful pointer to Jesus, the Lamb of God, who would one day enter Jerusalem as the final sacrifice for our sins. All our work, ultimately, is meant to point to Him—to let our light shine so that others may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven.

There is no division between “work life” and “spiritual life.” All of life is to be surrendered to Christ, and every task—no matter how mundane—can be redeemed for His purposes. As we head into another week, may we see our work with new eyes: as a calling, a privilege, and a way to make much of Jesus.

Key Takeaways

1. Work is a God-given calling, not a curse Work was present before the fall, modeled by God Himself in creation. It is not a punishment, but a purposeful part of our design. When we see work as a calling, we find dignity and meaning in even the most ordinary tasks, knowing that God is glorified through our faithful labor. [32:36]
2. God uses ordinary people in ordinary places Nehemiah 3 shows that God’s work is accomplished by all kinds of people—priests, perfumers, goldsmiths, and families—right where they are. Our qualifications matter less than our willingness to say yes. God delights in using our proximity and availability more than our expertise, so that He alone receives the glory. [49:22]
3. Our work is meant to point to Christ The rebuilding of the wall, especially beginning at the Sheep Gate, foreshadows Jesus, the Lamb of God. Every act of service, every task done for God’s glory, is an opportunity to point others to Christ. Our work is not just about productivity, but about proclaiming the excellencies of Him who called us out of darkness. [54:49]
4. There is no sacred-secular divide in life God does not separate our “work life” from our “spiritual life.” All of life is to be surrendered to Him, and every moment—whether at work, home, or church—can be an act of worship. When we yield every part of our lives to Christ, we experience the fullness of life He intends for us. [56:03]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[25:50] - Announcements & Upcoming Events
[26:21] - Flannel Sunday & Community
[26:42] - Photo Challenge: What Do They Share?
[28:12] - Introducing the Theme: Work
[29:03] - The Immensity of Nehemiah’s Wall
[31:36] - Work in the Garden of Eden
[32:36] - God’s Intent for Our Work
[34:25] - The Purpose of the Work
[40:11] - The Pattern of the Work
[46:32] - The People of the Work
[51:50] - The Places of the Work
[54:49] - The Sheep Gate and Christ
[56:03] - Redeeming Our View of Work
[58:21] - Prayer and Invitation
[60:40] - Baptism & Communion
[69:12] - Next Steps & Dismissal

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

In Nehemiah 3, what kinds of people were involved in rebuilding the wall, and what does the passage say about the specific sections they worked on? ([34:25])
According to Genesis 2:15, what was Adam’s original purpose in the garden before sin entered the world? ([31:36])
What is the significance of the Sheep Gate in Nehemiah 3, and how is it different from the other gates mentioned? ([53:03])
In 1 Corinthians 10:31 and Matthew 5:16, what is the stated purpose behind our actions and good works? ([37:25])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think God chose to involve ordinary people—priests, goldsmiths, perfumers, rulers, and families—in the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s wall, instead of just hiring experts? What does this reveal about God’s view of who can serve Him? ([47:48])
The nobles of Tekoa refused to “stoop to serve the Lord” (Nehemiah 3:5). What might have motivated their refusal, and what does this teach us about pride and humility in serving God? ([51:19])
The sermon points out that work existed before the fall and is not a punishment. How does this understanding challenge common attitudes toward work today? ([32:36])
The Sheep Gate is highlighted as being consecrated and closest to the temple. How does this foreshadow Jesus, and why is it important that our work points to Him? ([54:49])

Application Questions

The sermon says, “God has likely already put you where he wants to use you.” Where has God placed you right now (work, home, school, neighborhood), and what is one way you can serve Him in that place this week? ([42:33])
Think about your current attitude toward your daily work (job, chores, studies, volunteering, etc.). Do you see it as a burden, busywork, or as a calling from God? What would it look like to approach your work as an act of worship? ([39:17])
The nobles of Tekoa thought some tasks were beneath them. Are there any tasks or types of service you tend to avoid because you feel they are “below” you? How can you humble yourself and say “yes” to God’s invitation, even in small or unnoticed ways? ([51:19])
The sermon emphasized that “there is no division between ‘work life’ and ‘spiritual life.’” Are there areas of your life you have kept separate from your faith? What would it look like to surrender those areas to Christ? ([56:03])
The people in Nehemiah 3 worked on the section of wall nearest to where they lived. What is one “section of the wall” (a need, a person, a problem) near you that you could help rebuild or restore for God’s glory? ([42:03])
The Sheep Gate points to Jesus, the Lamb of God. How can your work—no matter how ordinary—point others to Christ this week? Can you think of a specific action or conversation that could shine His light? ([54:49])
The sermon said, “Nothing God gives us to do is busy work. It is full of purpose.” Is there a task in your life that feels meaningless right now? How might God want to use it for His glory or to shape your character? ([39:17])

Sermon Clips

Many people long for the idyllic setting of something like the Garden of Eden. Perhaps you want to go back to where everything was easy and you could enjoy that nice, long, botanical vacation in the Garden of Eden. Well, pump the brakes a little bit. Look at Genesis 2, verse 15. The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to what? To work it and to keep it. Notice this is before sin slithered into the garden. This is before the whole tree, fruit, you know, realizing what sin and death was. This is before all of that. [00:31:12] (41 seconds) #WorkIsPurpose

This means that whatever it is that God has called you to do has a purpose in it, and it is for His glory. And listen, this ought to motivate us. We could end the sermon now. Like, this is enough motivation. That whatever it is that God calls us to do, whether it's in the workplace, whether it's at home, whether it's at school, or in our neighborhood, we do it for the glory, for the name and acclaim of God. [00:37:49] (26 seconds) #WorkWithPurpose

Nothing God gives us to do is busy work. My favorite verse since I was a teenager, probably even before that, Matthew 5, 16, let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works and glorify your Father. That's the purpose of our work. You're not just building a wall or whatever it is you are building, growing, or doing. You are doing it for his glory and for his name. That's the purpose of the work. [00:39:46] (31 seconds) #MethodicalWork

God has likely already planted you where he wants to use you. And you can be immobilized sometimes by thinking of some far off, big, different thing. It's likely more simple than that. It's likely right in front of you. What work has God not only called you to do, but what work is he already doing around you that you can join him in? And again, it's not just vocational. It might be in your class or at your home or in your neighborhood, but this work, if we want to use that word, is what we are all called to participate in. [00:45:22] (35 seconds) #CalledToServe

If you read through this chapter, what you'll find is that it calls out more than their names. And you might think that building a 40-foot tall, 10-foot wide rock wall, Nehemiah might go out and hire stonemasons. He might at least hire construction workers or people who are used to building things. No, here's who builds the wall. He calls out priests, goldsmiths, perfumers. You know, whenever they got pulled in to build this wall, they must have said, this stinks. Then Levites. Rulers. Families. And then there's plenty of people who it doesn't even list their occupations or any kind of identity for them. They're just people. [00:47:16] (44 seconds) #FollowHisLead

``His sacrifice would serve as atonement not just temporarily but permanently as a replacement for sins and brokenness for all who would call on his name. And here in this passage in what could seem like an innocuous listing of work, you might even want to skip it because it's so monotonous, right in the middle of this we get this allusion to the coming Messiah, the Lamb of God. John would say in John chapter 1, behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. [00:54:27] (33 seconds) #WorkIsNotProfanity

When we think of work, even the work that happened here in Nehemiah 3, the point is to point to the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Peter would encourage us about our purpose in the midst of what we do. He would say you're a chosen race, a royal priesthood that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness. This is our purpose, my friends. [00:55:00] (29 seconds) #WorkAndLifeForGod

So no matter where you find yourself today or whatever kind of work it is that God has given you to do, it isn't an expletive, it's not profanity, it isn't even a negative thing, there is a purpose in it. My prayer is that as you head into work tomorrow, it would be redeemed in your eyes and in your heart as you seek to do it for a different reason. Not for acclaim, not for power, not for wealth, not for anything else, but for the glory of God to make much of his name and to point people to the Lamb of God. [00:55:29] (34 seconds) #CoCreatorsWithGod

Thank You for the hope that no work is busy work but it is all redeemed for and by You. Lord, I also want to pray for people here today who in another sense have tried to use work, tried to work their way to You. Lord, I pray that today they would realize that You've done all the work for that. You've paid the price. You laid down Your life because we can't work our way to You. Lord, we realize we work in response to what You've done not so that we can earn Your love. [00:59:17] (39 seconds) #RememberHisSacrifice

I would invite you if you're a follower of Jesus, when you take communion to ask Him to search your heart, surrender anything to Him that He shows you and then take the bread and the juice remembering and thanking the Lamb of God for what He's done so that our lives can be full of meaning, joy, purpose, so that we can experience real life in Him. This is what the Lamb of God did. [01:01:34] (24 seconds)

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