Rebuilding the city begins

Nehemiah Chapter 3

After Nehemiah told the city officials that God would make them succeed in rebuilding the walls and gates of Jerusalem, Eliashib, the high priest and other priests started to rebuild at the Sheep Gate. They also rebuilt the wall as far as the Tower of the Hundred and Tower of Hananel. People from Jericho worked next to them and beyond them was Zaccur son of Imri.

The Fish Gate was built by the sons of Hassenaah. Meremoth and grandson of Hakkoz built the next section of wall. Beside them were Meshallam and Meshezavel and Zadok. Next were the people from Tekoa, and their leaders refused to help.

Bit by bit, gate by gate and wall by wall the city was rebuilt and those that worked on it are listed throughout this chapter. Please read it all. You will see that it took teamwork by the people of Judah including the daughters of Shallum who helped do repairs.

BIBLE NOTES SHOW: Jerusalem was a large city and so it had many gates. The walls were tall and thick so soldiers could stand on them to defend the city. Building the city was not only a military priority, but also a boost to trade and commerce.

HOW DOES THIS CHAPTER RELATE TO US TODAY? This chapter is all about teamwork and repairing the section nearest your own home like the priests did in order to be protected. Much like the work of the church needs every member's effort so the body of Christ can function effectively. Where do you stand in your contribution to serve with whatever talent you have? There will always be a group of people like the leaders of Tekoa, who did not support the building project. All churches have such groups. But don't let their attitude bother you or take you from your path. You are important. You have meaning. Your place on the team makes it successful!

Yours in Christ,
Mary

Prayer Requests are needed for:
HEALTH:
Update on my niece Suzanne, she is healing but her leg was crushed and will take many months of doctoring. She is in a nursing home for rehab care. Pray for her healing. Also Gabe, Wanda, Pray for Janice Long’s parents, especially her mother whose cancer has returned and her father with Alzheimer’s and now her mother in law also with Alzheimer’s. Their family is feeling the strain both emotionally and financially. Pray for them. Update on this family: Her mother in law Mary just had a stroke this week. They are being tested by God and need a wealth of prayers. Pray for them now! Pray that they can find a place for Mary that won’t bankrupt the family.
And pray for Arlene’s nephew David and for my neighbor Al who is nearing the end of his life. Pray for Carolyn’s brother Ronald who has cancer.
Pray for our friend Michelle who was diagnosed with MS.
Pray for Cyndi Sullivan who was given 14 months to live with cancer, but has made it six years. The pain has returned and she needs our prayers.
UPDATE on Barb who went in for back surgery and had a heart attack and stroke, she has her speech back and is home , but continues to have a problem with one arm and hand. Thanks to your prayers, she is able to hobble without a cane and has been granted disability. She still has surgery scheduled on her hand, but I saw her recently and her attitude is fantastic.
Update on Marthaline Sargent. She lost her battle with health problems and passed away last Tuesday. Our condolences to her son Patrick and daughter Stacey. Continue to pray for her husband Robert Sargent who is quite ill with lung cancer.
Pray for Judy’s husband who was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. Pray for her too, that she can deal with the side effects of his illness.
Pray too for Charly’s husband Robert who will soon undergo chemo for his prostate cancer.
Pray for John’s recovery from a heart attack and pray he can stop smoking.
Pray for Debbie who lost her home in a fire last week.
SPIRITUAL UPLIFTING: Gail, Mary
RESTORATION OF FAITH: Al, John
LOVE AND SUPPORT: Claire, Hunter, Brian
SUPPORT: Haiti, Chile, survivors of Japan’s earthquake, survivors of the devastating tornadoes in our southernmost states and Joplin, Missouri. Pray too, for our country’s leaders and our military people who die each day for our freedom.