- Next to them Uzziel the son of Harhaiah, goldsmiths, repaired. Next to him Hananiah, one of the perfumers, repaired, and they restored Jerusalem as far as the Broad Wall. Nehemiah 3:8 – God may call you to serve in ways that are out of your expertise. Here we have goldsmiths and perfumers repairing the wall. This chapter is filled with a recounting of people who served to rebuild the wall around the city and we see it wasn’t just master wall builders doing the job. Priests, merchants, and city leaders were doing their part. While it’s important to know what are gifts are, let’s not be like the nobles in verse 5 who wouldn’t stoop to serve their Lord. God may want to use your talents in ways you never expected them to be used. We must keep in mind that our talents are not given to us to glorify ourselves, but to glorify the God who gave them to us. Be open to however God wants to use you. It may end up being far different than your plans, but it will be far more fulfilling than your plans. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1285
- Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brothers the priests, and they built the Sheep Gate. They consecrated it and set its doors. They consecrated it as far as the Tower of the Hundred, as far as the Tower of Hananel. Nehemiah 3:1 – One of the commentaries I read said this concerning our passage, “Minsters should be foremost in every good work, animating others by their example as well as their doctrine” (Benson). I just love the example being set here by the high priest. Someone we may imagine would scoff at the idea of manual labor and serving, as being too clean for such a task, is instead the first to get up and start building. What’s so beautiful is then the passages that follow for they are filled with all those who stood up after him to also start the rebuild of the walls and gates. Never underestimate the example you can set. Maybe you’re the first to step up at work and display your Christian values there. Maybe you’re the first in your home to make Jesus a priority on your calendar. Maybe you’re the first on at your school to bring your bible and read it during breaks. While you may be the first, never underestimate the power of the example you’re setting. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2506
Daily DEVO 