Let’s Build Together: January 18, 2026

Rebuilding Together: Lessons from Nehemiah

Good afternoon, church family! This past Sunday, Pastor Michael walked us through a powerful section of Nehemiah (chapters 2 and 3), reminding us that when God calls us to a mission, He provides the grace, the tools, and the community to see it through.

The Secret Inspection

The sermon kicked off with Nehemiah arriving in a broken, burnt-out Jerusalem. Instead of making a grand entrance, Nehemiah quietly inspected the damage at night. He saw the rubble firsthand—to the point where his animal couldn’t even pass through the debris. Pastor Michael reminded us that a good leader takes a realistic look at how "messed up" things truly are before speaking.

A Call to Action

Nehemiah’s message to the people was simple: "You see the trouble we’re in... Come, let’s rebuild". He didn’t just point out the problems; he shared how God’s gracious hand had already opened doors with the King. The people’s response was immediate and inspiring: "Let’s start rebuilding".

Facing the Critics

Of course, any time we start "good work," critics emerge. Nehemiah faced mockers like Sanballat and Tobiah, who tried to use fear and insecurity to stop the progress. Pastor Michael pointed out that we often hear that same "adversarial voice" today telling us we aren’t good enough.

Nehemiah’s "back-pocket" reply is one we should all memorize:

"The God of Heaven is the one who will grant us success... but you have no share, no right, no historic claim".

Everyone Has a Part

Chapter 3 shows a beautiful, messy picture of a unified community. High priests, goldsmiths, merchants, and even a man and his daughters all "put their shoulders" to the work. From the "Sheep Gate" to the less-glamorous "Dung Gate," every person had a specific task.

What This Means for Us

This isn't just an old story about rocks and timber; it’s a mirror of what Jesus does for us. Jesus is the one who rebuilds His people, and He has already given us "permission from the King" to do His work.

As we look toward our own local missions—like our upcoming workdays for the children's building—let's remember that our unity fuels our mission, and our mission fuels our unity.

Let’s rebuild together!