Building the Kingdom (Part 1)

“Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other,” Neh 4:17

Nehemiah wrote his book from memory of what happened; it is not a theological work; he records events. Studying Nehemiah may not directly apply to our current situation as it was written for Hebrew people at a specific time and place. Nevertheless, the book’s themes and wisdom are timeless.

The Church acts as God’s chosen tool, operating through His people. The church is the building and co-worker in the build (1 Cor 3:9). Similar to Nehemiah’s team overcoming threats and staying faithful to their mission, we recognise that God’s ultimate mission is to manifest His glory on earth despite challenges. Joining in God’s mission involves building His Kingdom, as emphasised by Jesus’ directive to make disciples of all nations.

Making disciples requires active participation in God’s plan for His Kingdom. Recognising that God orchestrates every aspect of our lives, from relationships to abilities, reveals that our placement is intentional. As followers of Christ, being exactly where we are is not accidental but a divine positioning to contribute to the building of God’s Kingdom. And you being built up as an integral part of His grand design.

Preaching and witnessing for Jesus present complexities, evoking diverse responses. Amidst the challenging landscape for Christians—facing the crafty adversary Satan, an alluring and sometimes threatening world, and and a treacherous heart within—the recommended approach mirrors that of those in the text. Similar to working with one hand on tasks and holding a weapon with the other, it highlights the necessity for diligence in efforts and vigilance against potential threats.

If we aim to influence the world, preach the gospel, and make disciples, we must genuinely take this phrase to heart. The world observes how those who bear the name of Christ engage with each other and how we treat those unfamiliar with Jesus. It’s crucial that the love of God is evident in our actions, as this is what attracts others to our wonderful Savior.

Jesus left us with two commands: to preach the gospel and to make disciples. While preaching doesn’t guarantee control over the outcome, making disciples allows us to play a more active role in shaping the desired result. We are involved in building with God, making disciples of all nations.

Many of us think our sole duty is to serve faithfully in our current positions. Nevertheless, Nehemiah, as mentioned in Neh 4:17, revealed that the workers not only learned how to work diligently but also how to defend themselves simultaneously. As a community of believers, we must be prepared to participate in Christ’s mission and contribute to the building of His kingdom holistically. You have been uniquely placed by God to build the kingdom; nothing is random if God is sovereign.

The enemy was trying to cause bodily harm to the people, but the work on the wall resumed. God frustrated the attack of the enemy, and the work has resumed. We see that God’s people have resumed the work; they knew what they were supposed to do. God was using His people to accomplish His mission. Opposition to the rebuilding of the wall in Jerusalem is not unique; the enemy was going to try and sow confusion and disunity. Building each other up is essential.

Jude 1:20-21 says, “But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.” We are our brother’s keeper. From direct temptation to subtle deception and prowling to exploit weaknesses; Satan adopts various tactics to deceive. The Bible doesn’t gloss over the reality of the situation. The threat is real, but we fight together!

The book of Nehemiah says, “Also, our enemies said, ‘Before they know it or see us, we will be right there among them and will kill them and put an end to the work.'” Neh 4:11. What is important is standing up to defend one another. Nehemiah 4:9 says, “But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat.” We bear responsibility for one another, echoing the concept of being our brothers’ keepers as highlighted in Genesis 4:9. Just as Christ sent us out in pairs, it prompts us to consider how this responsibility translates in our modern 21st-century society. In the words of Heb 13:1, the guidance persists: “Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters.” Building the kingdom with Christ!

Kay Alli