In today’s epistle, St Paul issues a call to build our community.  Paul’s exhortation is similar to that of Nehemiah (2:18) found in the Old Testament.  How did Nehemiah and companions re-build the walls of the city to protect the Temple?  How can their story inspire us to build our community Church?  Nehemiah… means “the comfort of God”… or… “The consolation of God”.  It is taken from a word meaning… “To breathe strongly”… “to console” and is also taken from the word…”Jah” one of the Lord’s names.  Putting it all together … the name means… “The consoling breath of the Spirit of God.”  Nehemiah becomes a type of the Holy Spirit in His ministry as one who restores … rebuilds … revives and protects.

Nehemiah comes on the scene approximately 90 years after Zerubbabel brought the first group out of Babylon.  During those years the temple had been rebuilt and worship re-established.  Hostile forces were many and the city and the temple were left unprotected.  Nehemiah’s commission from the Lord and from the king was to rebuild the walls.  Building requires vision and planning.  The vision God gives must be completed regardless of the cost and sacrifice and opposition that may be encountered.  Building requires cooperation, concentration and determination. 

Arise And Build!  All Things Are Possible with God’s Help.  Let Us Arise And Build!