Title: The Ministry of Tekoa / Nehemiah 3:5
Contents
main text ; Nehemiah 3:5
title ; Tekoa's service
last name city ; 2 Timothy 4:9--11 , hymns; 44 books, 370 old, 376 old, 61 closed
Introduction ; It is easy for everyone to think that what they do is the most valuable work in the world. Of course, having pride in what you do is a very desirable attitude. But there is nothing in the world more valuable than ministry God's work, no matter what. Because that is the work for eternal life. (John 6:27)
Joh 06:27 Do not work for food that perishes, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you, whom God the Father has sealed.
However, there are not many Bible verses that show this fact as well as today's text. Then, by examining who participated in God's work at that time, and who stood by or opposed it, we are going to examine the responses to God's work through the text of the text focusing on the people of Tekoa.
1 There were those who took part in the work of God.
Saints! It is worthwhile for a truly famous person to participate in God's work, but it is even more valuable for an unnamed person to participate in God's work. If you think about it, Hosea, Micah, and Amos, who performed brilliant prophetic activities in the Old Testament era, were all common people.
Also, among the disciples of Jesus, there were no scholars, no chaebol, and not only politicians, but also priests who fought as great leaders at the time. There were no such people as scribes or elders. Still, they have become really good evangelists. Not only that, but we all know that John the Baptist was a commoner, Francis of Anne of Annex, who was the founder of the monastic movement in the Middle Ages, and that Moody, who recently set fires of revival from America to the world, was also an unnamed shoemaker knows well. Participation in God's work is precious, but the saints who participate without a name are even more precious. When an anonymous person participates in the work, their achievements are bound to be more valuable. Indeed, this is the reason why the work of the Tekoas recorded in the text stands out, saints! How are we now? Are you participating in God's work as an unknown person?
2 There were those who stood by or opposed the work of God,
While the common people of Tekoa participated in the renovation of the walls of Jerusalem and their achievements were historically brilliant, the nobles of Tekoa did not participate in it at all. Indeed, the nobles have literally become bystanders to the sanctuary. In fact, if you think about it, the nobles should take the lead. It is because it is the leaders of society who should truly lead by example. Nevertheless, they shunned the historical work of God.
The reason they did not participate in God's work was their indifference, indolence, and selfishness, but it is clear that the biggest cause was their vanity and pride.
How can a person in a high position like me do hard work in the world even now? Besides, there are many people with only arms behind their back, saying that it is not a shame to work with vulgar people.
I wonder if I am not, indeed, throughout the history of the Bible, there have been countless instances of people in leading positions neglecting or ruining the sanctuary. Even in the time of Jeremiah, the prophets, despite the fact that the country was in crisis, forsook what was right and blew the false trumpet of peace. (Jeremiah 8:11)
Jeremiah 08:11 They heal the wounds of my daughter and my people, saying, Peace, peace, but there is no peace.
Even at the time of Jesus, the so-called Jewish religious leaders such as priests and elders were such people. In hindsight, position is a gift from God. Nevertheless, those who have such a position, only to satisfy their sense of luxury, indulgence, and superiority, and throw away all their precious duties, are truly bystanders of God's work. I hope that you will listen to this message more carefully, especially if you are an office worker who belongs to a leadership position that others regard as such in the church, and you will become a faithful officer with your office.
conclusion ; Now, let's summarize today's sermon.
God's work can be accomplished brilliantly by human hands or, conversely, can be mercilessly destroyed. The destruction of the walls of Jerusalem and its rebuilding are the best examples of such two sides.
Therefore, we should all strive to participate in God's work, regardless of whether we are ordinary lay people or office holders. Truly, we must never be reduced to bystanders in the affairs of God.