Attributes of Revival – The Work

Then said I unto them, Ye see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth in waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach.

Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king’s words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work.

Nehemiah 2: 17-18

One man’s burden was starting to re-build a nation. As Nehemiah unburdened himself to his brethren, they, in turn, began to carry out that burden. Remember, they had already seen the re-building of the temple. However, this was different. This was about physically re-establishing God’s “kingdom” on earth. Someone (Nehemiah) was concerned about their condition … and someone wanted to do something about it. They were tired of the condition of their city. They were also very tired of being a reproach in the land amongst the heathen nations. There was someone that understood their plight. There was someone who wanted to take action. Nehemiah had expressed what was burning in their hearts.

The Work

The work, however, was not as easy as just starting where they had left off. The wall was broken and the gates were burned. No one dared to start the repair work, prior to Nehemiah, for fear of the ruling kingdom. If word got back to “Shushan the palace“, it would mean the wrath of the king … or at least they thought.

The first thing that had to happen was that the rubble had to be cleared away. If you have ever been involved in a remodeling project, you will recognize that the “clearing away” is the most arduous part of the project. Not only is it time consuming; most of the real behind the scenes work happens at that phase, like repairing electrical and/or plumbing work or repairing any previously unexposed damage. Not only is it hard physically but also mentally because of what appears to be the lack of progress when the expectation is to get to the finished project, as soon as possible. This type of work is behind the scenes. However, it is important to ensuring that the finished project is established on the right conditions.

Once the rubble was cleared then the rebuilding could start in full force. Nehemiah Chapter 3 gives the account of each participant, and their groups or families and how they were responsible for their portion of the work. Each “group” was identified to work on their specific portion of the wall, including gates, towers, doors, locks, bars, etc. As they worked, the breaches began to be closed. Even in the midst of adversity (for which we will talk about in a later post), they continued to work. They had a single purpose. They had a singleness of mind.

So built we the wall; and the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work.

Nehemiah 4:6

52 days and the entire task was completed; from start to finish. In the midst of adversity and trials, the wall was finished. During this time, they were on high alert. They built yet they stayed ready. They were fully armed with both tools to build and tools to fight. They stayed fully clothed, except to wash them (Nehemiah 4:23). Always alert; always on guard; staying on task – with singleness of heart and mind. That is how they accomplished so much, in so little of time. Today, we would call them successful in their mission.

The Lesson

How can we learn from this success story? First we must recognize the burden (Attributes of Revival – The Burden). This is about “repairing the breach” in God’s Kingdom. This is about restoring our relationship with God through Jesus Christ. There are men (and women) who pour their hearts out trying to not only get people to Christ but to also assist the church in maintaining a right relationship with our Lord. Do we heed their warnings and willingly “fall under” the burden? Or do we turn a deaf ear and become ambivalent to the call? God wants and needs workers to continue to establish his kingdom (the church) here on earth. Do we have a mind to work? Do we even care?

Second, the hard work is clearing out the rubble. On an individual basis is there rubble that we need to clear out of our lives. Has there been areas of our lives that have been destroyed because of sin and selfishness? God calls his people to holiness. However, far too often there are areas of sin and selfishness that we must recognize and we must get cleansed through the blood of Jesus Christ. When naturally clearing out “rubble” during a construction project, other things are discovered in the process. When removing wall board, for example, one may find mold. Same goes when cleaning out our lives. As we work on the outward issues, once those things are cleared away, chances are more “hidden” or inward issues can appear and be cleansed, as well.

As the body of Christ, we also may need to clear some rubble out, as well. Sometimes entire bodies of believers take on attitudes and ideas that are just plain rubbish. We espouse certain doctrines to prove that we are “more right” than the church next door. We claim that God has shown us more light. However, if our doctrine is making us an exclusive club instead of reaching out to a lost and dying world, should we not check that doctrine to see if it is of God or not? If we find it is not of God then we must cast it off as rubbish. I am not saying that we remove “the old paths”, if they are right. Those old paths are established to help us lead others along the same established ways. I’m mainly speaking of newer doctrines that work to divide and create “cliches” instead of promoting unity through Jesus Christ.

Lastly, when we get to work, we must be focused and on task; completing the part that God would have us to complete. If we stay focused and on task, we won’t have time to worry about Brother or Sister “so-in-so” and what they are or are not doing. In fact, if each one is working in the area that God would have them to work, we will trust one another and complement one another in the work of God. We will start to see much accomplished in the kingdom of God because God will be the center focus of that work. He will ensure that we prosper in the work … and the reproach will be removed! As we work together, the breach will be repaired. Revival will not come as an emotional experience. Rather the work of restoration will begin. Revival will not be just a church meeting. Revival will be an outgrowth of a burden that is shared collectively and acted on deliberately!