Scripture to Read: Nehemiah 2:11-12
Nehemiah arrived in Jerusalem along with the military escort the king provided and all of the lumber and materials needed to rebuild the wall. There is no doubt people would be wondering why they were there in Jerusalem. We read in Nehemiah 2:11 that Nehemiah and everyone with him had been in Jerusalem for three days. We also read in Nehemiah 2:12 that Nehemiah had told no one about the plans God had laid on his heart. Sometimes it is much better not to share the plans God has given you, but simply go and carry those plans out as God has directed. Jesus makes this clear in Matthew 6:2-4 “So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 3 But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.” Nehemiah simply wanted to serve God by serving his fellow Israelites by getting the wall rebuilt as God had laid on his heart to do. God wants us to do the same as Nehemiah and as He said in Matthew 6, He wants us serving but we need to make sure that all glory goes to Him.
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about serving others?
2. Who do you know who is in need and how will you serve them this week?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!