Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:1–2)This is no easy task. Those who are spiritual cannot be judgmental or critical of those who are caught up in sin, not other persons and not even an entire church. All are tempted at times and all are vulnerable, but how can anyone restore them? Noticing the need is one thing; repairing it is the challenge, and sadly, it is easier to gossip rather than show mercy.
In reading Nehemiah today, I recall sermons where this man’s actions are similar to the battle to restore broken lives, even broken congregations. The Lord uses this to show steps that can be taken to repair small or large needs.
First, Nehemiah confessed his own sins and the sins of his people. This is vital. Then he asked God to hear his prayer and grant him success and mercy as he went for permission to do something about the damage that existed.
O Lord God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for the people of Israel your servants, confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Even I and my father’s house have sinned. We have acted very corruptly against you and have not kept the commandments. . . . (You said) “but if you return to me. . . . I will gather them and bring them to the place that I have chosen. . . .” O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servants. . . . and give success to your servant today, and grant him mercy. . . . (Nehemiah 1:5–11)When he asked the king about doing this, he was granted not only to have a look but whatever he needed to do the job. But he didn’t tell anyone until he saw for himself the dire need. In other words, he didn’t listen to any talk or gossip until he had first-hand knowledge. A wise choice. Only after seeing it for himself did he speak to the leaders and others what the Lord had put on his heart. They responded and said, “Let us rise up and build.” So they strengthened their hands for the good work." (Nehemiah 2:18)
Enlisting support was only one step. Nehemiah explained what needed to be done and how to do it, encouraging them with, “Our God will fight for us.” He gave them the plan and they went to work, each taking care of the part of the task that related to who they were and where they lived. I look at that plan and see that this leader recognized their gifts and desires and put them to work where their hearts would give them the most desire to fix the problem.
Nehemiah also realized that opposition would come, so had a plan for that too. He told the people that this would be hard work, just as Jesus tells me that serving Him in any capacity would involve sacrifice:
And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. (Mark 8:34)At the same time, he also encouraged them, as Jesus encourages me, with:
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)PRAY: Lord, You have put something on my heart too, a plan that could involve restoration of that which has fallen into disrepair. However, as with Nehemiah, the first step is prayer, including confession of sin (mine and others) and worship of all that You have done. This step includes keeping quiet until You grant the go-ahead, or perhaps say this is not for me. I wait on direction from You.
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