A Finished Work

Nehemiah quickly realized the situation in Jerusalem was desperate. The walls of the once-great city had been broken down, and fire had devoured the city gates. It was clear to Nehemiah that immediate action was required, so he appealed to the people of the city to join him in what would be an enormous undertaking.

Their response was dramatic. Nehemiah chapter three begins with an account of the work carried out by Eliashib, the high priest. Then, “next to Eliashib the men of Jericho built. And next to them Zaccur the son of Imri built” (Nehemiah 3:2).

The chapter recounts the remarkable cooperation that existed between the people of Jerusalem. Almost thirty times, the phrase “next to them” or “after them” is used in Nehemiah chapter three, demonstrating a profound unity of purpose that achieved extraordinary results. But against this backdrop of unity, there were still those who refused to participate in the work God was doing.

“Next to them the Tekoites made repairs; but their nobles did not put their shoulders to the work of their Lord” (verse 5).

Their unwillingness to labor was recorded as a lesson for future generations. God is calling His people today to join together in a similar fashion to fulfill the gospel commission. In great cities, small towns, and villages, there exists a real need for the three angels’ messages to be proclaimed.

“And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:14).

God’s people will one day band together to herald the glad tidings of a crucified, risen, and soon-coming Savior. May God grant us the grace to unite as did the workers in Nehemiah’s day, that we might see a finished work in our time.