After Nehemiah rallied the call in Neh 2:17, the Jews responded with one voice to rise and build the walls of Jerusalem. This chapter three then describes in graphic details the different segments of the walls and the various people who were in charge of either repair or rebuilding. In great contrast to the Great Wall of China, the wall of Jerusalem is only about 4 kilometers in total length. It is equivalent to an estimated distance of walking from our church to MacRitchie Reservoir. For the Jews, it takes them 52 days to rebuild the wall.

After the Babylonians destroyed this city in 586 BC, the walls were broken down and the gates were burnt beyond repair. When the city was under attack, the enemies burnt the gates down to enter the city; thus the restoration work for the gates was beyond repair. The word “built” is used 8 times (v1, 2 (twice), 3, 13, 14, 15 (twice)) in connection of the work done to rebuild the gates – Sheep Gate (v1), Fish Gate (v3), Valley Gate (v13), Dung Gate (v14), Fountain Gate (v15). Unlike the gates, the enemies could not destroy but only broke the walls down. Thus, the walls need only to be repaired and not rebuilt. One can count that the verb, “repaired” used in restoring the walls occurs 38 times.

There is another interesting observation that the Levites and priests are also involved directly in the restoration work. Eliashib the high priest is named in verse 1, the Levites in verse 17 and the priests in verses 22 and 28. One group of people called the nobles of Tekoites did not join in the work, is also highlighted. Because of their wealth, they could perhaps hire people to do the work that was assigned to them. But with the exception of these nobles and also the enemies like Tobiah and Sanballat, the people united together and each person does their part by putting his or her hands to the plough.

We can see this picture of a group of God’s people united together to accomplish His work in our church. The recent annual Children Enrichment Camp is one great example. We have a total of about 300 people present – half were children and the rest were volunteers. As soon as the committee was formed and the call went out, we have people volunteering to help out in one area or the other. Beginning from logistical support teams, food catering for meals, worship and music teams, leaders and assistants for different stations, teachers and assistants for bible classes, and the manpower for the finale night event - the list goes on. This indeed resembles how Nehemiah mobilizes the Jews and delegates the different segments of the restoration work to different people.

Our church has one deacon board and comprises of three different congregations. Each congregation has different councils striving to meet their own goals and needs. As our church moves forward to fulfil the vision of one church growing inwardly and outwardly, may the annual CEC event be an inspiration for us to trust God how to accomplish His will for us as one church.

PRAYER : Dear God, thank you for leading me and bringing me to be part of this community at Thomson Road Baptist Church. Help me to discern what you have gifted me and grant me the opportunity to use this gift for your church and for your glory. In Jesus name, Amen.