Eliashib the high priest and his fellow priests 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, and as far as the Tower of Hananel. Nehemiah 3:1
Nehemiah had received word that the city of Jerusalem and the temple was not being built. He was working for the king of Persia at the time. After being given permission to go and inspect what was going on, he went to Jerusalem and inspected the walls of the city. He then gathered all the priests and the men from all of the tribes together to begin the work of rebuilding the walls.
As captives of the Persian government, the Israelites were given supernatural favor to rebuild their city. It was by God’s grace on them that the Persian king allowed them to rebuild.
People today have allowed themselves to be taken captive by the enemy of sin. Many have allowed themselves to be carried away by the enemy to a foreign land of sin. This includes people who were believers in Jesus at some point in their life.
Jesus has conquered the enemy of sin and death. When you choose to follow Jesus, you are now under His control. In His great love and mercy, He has given you permission to rebuild a house and a temple for Him. This is not something that can be done alone, but as a group of people with the power of the Holy Spirit.
This house and temple is not something physical as the Israelites were building. It is the house of God and the temple of God. Every person who is a believer in Jesus makes up a part of the house of God. Every individual believer is a the temple of God. The believers are called stones in God’s house.
You have a part in rebuilding His house and temple. As you witness and make disciples, you are building His house larger. As you give your life over to Jesus and live more like Him, you are rebuilding His temple.
Take time today to begin rebuilding God’s house and His temple. Be His witness and make some disciples. Live your life more like Jesus.
I pray today that you will be God’s holy temple; that you will make disciples for Jesus; that you will do the work needed to build God’s kingdom; and that God will guide you and give you the needed strength for the work.
Amen! 🙏