TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Eliashib the high priest and his fellow priests went to work and rebuilt the Sheep Gate. They dedicated it and set its doors in place, building as far as the Tower of the Hundred, which they dedicated, and as far as the Tower of Hananel. The men of Jericho built the adjoining section, and Zakkur son of Imri built next to them. Nehemiah 3:1-2
Read: Nehemiah 3
Listen: Nehemiah 3
TODAY’S MESSAGE
The rebuilding of Jerusalem’s wall is finally underway. The people capture Nehemiah’s vision and work at every point along the wall. Skilled and unskilled alike pick up tools and begin restoring both the wall AND the honor and reputation of the God of Israel.
Unlike the drama and tension of this story so far, this part of the rebuild can be easy to ignore. Unfamiliar names and distant places can make it seem like there’s not much here for us today. But this part of the rebuild matters. We learn a lot as we read the names of people from 2,500 years ago and what they contributed to a significant rebuilding project.
This week, we discover three lessons about what it means to live a life of significance. Rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem brings glory to God. It’s the same when we invest in our church community and serve each other. Meaning and significance are found in serving as we help others rebuild. Lives and families are restored, and God gets the glory.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Reflect on what it means to have a life of significance and how that aligns with God’s definition of success. Journal about your life 5-20 years from now. What makes your life significant? How does this align with what God says?
2023 SPIRITUAL PRACTICES
Join us all of 2023 developing a different spiritual practice each month. SPIRITUAL PRACTICES are intentional regular activities to deepen our relationship with God and mold us to be more like Jesus.
October is SERVING. Keep track of our spiritual practices at beyondtheweekend.org/spiritualpractices.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
