Nehemiah 11: Honor Who Honor is Due

Introduction: Nehemiah 11 underlines the importance of spiritual commitment and dedication to God’s service. It helps us understand the power and the potential of a faithful community working together under the divine provision of God. As we delve into an in-depth analysis of Nehemiah 11, we’ll evaluate the power of this chapter under the following headings.

I. Nehemiah 11:1-2: The Willingness to Serve
In Nehemiah 11:1-2, we view the process of selecting who will live in Jerusalem. The leaders showed willingness to inhabit the city, and others were chosen by lot. This signifies the importance of taking responsibility and sacrificing for the cause of God. Cross-references include Acts 1:26, where lots were cast to choose a replacement for Judas; Proverbs 16:33, reminding that the lot is cast into the lap, but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord; and 1 Corinthians 9:17, where Paul talks about a duty entrusted to him.

II. Nehemiah 11:3-19: Spiritual Commitment
In these verses, we find the names of the men who willingly inhabited Jerusalem. This list is a testament to their commitment and dedication, which resonates with 1 Chronicles 9:2-34, where the first to return to their property and cities were the priests, Levites, and the temple servants. Psalm 119:60 also supports this by stating, “I will hurry and not delay to obey your commands.”

III. Nehemiah 11:20-24: Recognizing and Honoring the Leaders
These verses underline the importance of leadership in guiding a faithful community. Nehemiah acknowledges the leaders and their roles, somewhat similar to Romans 13:7, which commands us to give honor where honor is due. It also resonates with 1 Timothy 5:17, which requests double honor for the leaders, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.

IV. Nehemiah 11:25-36: Understanding and Appreciating the Broader Community
These verses detail the settlements outside of Jerusalem, emphasizing the importance of the broader community in God’s plans. It correlates with Acts 1:8, where Jesus tells the disciples that they will be his witnesses to the ends of the earth. Revelations 7:9 also supports this by showing a vast crowd from every nation and tribe standing before the throne.

Conclusion: Evaluating the power of Nehemiah 11 allows us to appreciate the importance of spiritual commitment, leadership, and the broader community in serving God. It teaches us that every follower has a role to play and that dedication and obedience to God’s command are crucial. Like the inhabitants of Jerusalem and the broader communities, let’s willingly embrace our roles, honor our leaders, and foster unity within our communities for the glory of God. Thus, the power of Nehemiah 11 lies in its potent message of collective responsibility and commitment towards the fulfilment of God’s mission.