[next to them]

Learned the coolest phrase today. Next to them. Yeah I know it sounds weird, but wait til you hear me out.

There once was a guy named Nehemiah. And he had this vision. His people, the Israelites, were in exile under the control of the Persians and under the Babylonians before that. When Nehemiah learns that his people's beloved city Jerusalem is in rubble without walls to protect it, he seeks the Lord in prayer for months. Then he finds the courage to ask the Persian king if he can return to Jerusalem and rebuild the walls, and surprisingly, the king says yes. So Nehemiah sets off for home with his vision, protection from the king and timber for the project.

This isn't the cool part yet though. That comes next. Instead of taking it all on himself, Nehemiah rallies his people, and they begin to build next to each other. Twenty times the phrase "next to them/him" is used in chapter three as the building is describe in detail, and "beside them" is used once. Additionally, over 30 individuals are mentioned and eight groups of people are listed - all working on a different part of the city walls.

Priests/Levites. Perfume-makers. Rulers of districts. Temple servants. Guards. Goldsmiths and merchants. All are part of the plan. It wasn't left up to one group of people. It wasn't about one talent. It wasn't set-aside for only certain individuals. Each part of society was involved. Every person mattered. Everyone worked side-by-side with another. Not independently. Not just Nehemiah. Next to each other.

This is really cool too when you think about ministry. This is how it's supposed to happen. Next to each other. Not left up to pastors. Not left up to motivational speakers. Not left up to praise bands or music directors. Not left up to youth leaders or deacons or Sunday School teachers or elders. If the church's purpose is to show the world who Jesus is, then we have sorely missed the boat when we think God's work is left up to people who are "called" to it.

No, God's Kingdom is furthered best next to each other I think. With all involved. All talents. All segments of society. All heartbeats joined as one - to declare the glory and knowledge of God here on earth. That's a mission worth fighting for. That's a purpose worth living and dying for. And I pray that we would continue to rally the church of Christ to that and follow Nehemiah's example in boldness and courage. Let Your Kingdom come.