Nehemiah 3:5, 27 (UKJV) And next unto them the Tekoites repaired; but their nobles put not their necks to the work of their LORD. After them the Tekoites repaired another piece, opposite to the great tower that lies out, even unto the wall of Ophel.
As we read the sometimes very colorful accounting of events in the book of Nehemiah, it quickly becomes evident that the remnant people of God had big problems, very similar to the ones we have today.
In our text for today we see how the men of Tekoa were contributing whole heartedly to the rebuilding of the city gates and wall, completing two full sections. (see verse 27)
The text also recounts how the work was not supported by the leadership of Tekoa. It says “their nobles did not put their shoulders into the work of their Lord.”
Apparently, lack of committed, involved leadership was not an excuse for these people to refrain from the work of their Lord. Even with the leadership failures, they saw no need to leave the group, or to publicly criticize and accuse.
The priority for them was always the work of their Lord.God’s people never walk in darkness. God’s adopted sons and daughters are always full of light because their eye is always single. To His glory. If we truly receive Christ as both Lord and Savior, He will lead and empower us to keep our eye single. (John 1:12)
The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. (Mat 6:22)
In the coming days of end time events, God’s people still have the priority of glorifying “their Lord.” Nations and kings will come to see the brightness of our rising! This is why Isaiah also says: “Rise! Shine! For thy light is come and the glory of Creator is risen upon you!” (Isa 60:1)
God’s last day people will have their eye single to God’s glory!
Revelation 14:7 …Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment has come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.
How can we “give glory to God,” and worship Creator in all that we do. No matter what others are doing around us?
Perhaps the Old Testament prophets had the right idea when one of them said
Micah 6:8 (NHEB) He has shown you, [all], what is good.What does the Lord require of you, but to act justly,to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?
God requires true love to unite the hearts of the human brotherhood, and why this love does not flourish is because selfishness, envy, and jealousy exist. True justice will not injure our fellow men, and true politeness will not offend them.
True Christian courtesy unites and perfects both justice and politeness, and mercy and love make up the filling, giving the finest touches and most graceful charms to the character. Genuine piety in the heart needs to be cultivated by all. 2LtMs, 1875
God chose you, and we keep praying that God will make you worthy of being his people. We pray for God’s power to help you do all the good things that you hope to do and that your faith makes you want to do. Then, because God and our Lord Jesus Christ are so kind, you will bring honor to the name of our Lord Jesus, and he will bring honor to you. (2 Thes 1:11-12, CEV)