The Good WorkSample

Names and Backsliding

The last three chapters of Nehemiah aren’t what anyone would consider to be most exciting of the bunch. In them, you get a chapter and a half dedicated to the names of the people who settled in Jerusalem, half a chapter detailing the dedication of the rebuilt wall, and in a semi-depressing twist, a final chapter which details Nehemiah’s attempts to reverse the backsliding that occurred in Jerusalem in his absence.

What are we supposed to take from all this?

There is always the chance that our completed work might find itself in trouble and require our attention once again. A friend who struggles with addiction might relapse, or a family you helped find a home might end up back on the streets. It’s normal to find this situation discouraging. But we’re all continual works in progress, so if you find yourself in this situation, take heart. Take up the work, if you’re able. If not, find someone you trust to whom you can pass the baton. The work is still God’s, it’s still worthy, and He will carry it on to completion.

And as for the list of names? It’s tempting to skim by them all, but it’s actually a pretty special list. That tireless work Nehemiah did for the glory of God? These are the names of the people impacted by Nehemiah’s work, whose lives were changed by the risks he took and sacrifices he made.

If you do God’s work, one day, you’ll have a similar list, made up of the names of lives changed because of the risks you took and the sacrifices you made. All for the glory of God.

Consider: Whose list would you find your name on? Whose names will be on your list?

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