A Team Effort

Eliashib the high priest and his fellow priest 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, as as far as the Tower of Hananel. The men of Jericho built the adjoining section and Zaccur son of Imri built next to them" (Nehemiah 3:1-2)

Rebuilding, Restoring and Renewing is not just an individual feat. Nehemiah did not come as a Messiah or Savior to the people, but a catalyst and leader to inspire and give strategy in rebuilding the walls and renewing their lives.

Many look for people to save them. It seems that people often look for those to offer and bring solutions to their problems. Nehemiah was a different kind of leader, he was one who came to inspire, but more so to give them the tools and the resources necessary for them to rebuild, restore and renew their own lives.

The renaissance of Jerusalem was not because of the inspiration of a charismatic leader. It was because of the individuals of Jerusalem realizing the importance of their city and the realization of who they are in God as heirs and joint heirs. Nehemiah just reminded them of the power that they had within themselves as children of God and they went to work to rebuild, restore and renew. It was a team effort!

We can rebuild, restore and renew if we work together. One of the greatest challenges that I have had as a Minister and Pastor is to get people to understand the value of working together in building the Kingdom of God. Churches have relied so much on the abilities of charismatic leadership and marketing, that we have failed to realize the power of team work in building the church and the kingdom. As with the children of Israel who went to work immediately to rebuild the walls, they made great progress in a short period of time; we too can make great progress in our cities and communities by uniting and working together.

The interesting thing was that there was no competition amongst the clergy. The text shares that "Eliashib, the High Priest and his fellow priest" were the first to get busy to rebuild the walls. They were not concerned about Nehemiah's not being a part of their spiritual circle or denomination, they were not concerned with his credentials, they were not concerned with who was in his inner circle; they simply embraced his leadership, the resources and strategy that he offered. This is a lesson to many churches and leaders who often allow ego to thwart the work of the Lord.

Together we can change the world for the cause of Christ!

Living with Faith and Power and Creating a Phenomenal Life!

Bishop Keith Russell Lee
Hoffman Estates, IL and Los Angeles, CA

Spiritual Prayer Treatment

Father, may we walk in the unity of your Spirit.
In the Name of Jesus and Through His Power!
Amen! And So It Is!