No Claim in Jerusalem

The king commissions Nehemiah to return to Jerusalem and oversee the rebuilding of the walls – to begin to mend what is broken. But there are those that hear the prosperity of the city is being pursued and are greatly displeased. Nehemiah makes known the gracious provision of the Lord and others are strengthened to join the good work – but in doing so, they are mocked and despised. Nehemiah replies, “The God of heaven is the one who grants us success. We, his servants, will start building, but you have no share, right, or historic claim in Jerusalem.”

We have been commissioned by God, the King, to push back against the effects of the fall. This was modelled for us in the ministry of Jesus – to mend what has been broken, to begin to restore what has been lost. As we labour for the prosperity of the Kingdom, there will be many who are greatly displeased – mocking and even despising. Be about the work anyway and start building – they have no share, right, or claim on the Kingdom.