739. NEH 4:6. THE SUCCESSFUL WILLING WORKERS
Neh_4:6. The Successful Willing Workers
"So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work."’97Neh_4:6.
Nehemiah was eminently distinguished for his fear of God, his patriotism, and zeal for the welfare of his nation. Under God he was instrumental in obtaining permission to build the desolated walls of Jerusalem. In this arduous work he made constant intercession to God, and employed all the energy he possessed to effect this praiseworthy and pious object. It was a very great undertaking. A very difficult one. One of much opposition; yet prudence, prayer, and devoted perseverance brought it to a satisfactory conclusion. Our text refers to the cooperation of the people with him, which was one great means of its speedy accomplishment. "So built we the wall," &c. We desire to ground three propositions on the text.
I. The cause of Jesus must be built up.
II. It can only be done by the working of his people.
III. That his disciples should cheerfully devote themselves to the work.
I. The cause of Jesus must be built up.
Notwithstanding the lapse of almost 2000 years, yet Christianity resembles to a great extent the dilapidated wall of ancient Jerusalem. The cause of Christ has been marred and despoiled. Many of the cities where it once flourished have crumbled into ruins. Mahommedanism reigns, and the crescent waves where the cross once triumphed. Spiritual Christianity became deteriorated by her alliance with earthly states and her participation of worldly glory. The great number of those denominated Christians are professors of it in a corrupt form, and have it associated with much that is carnal and superstitious. In Christian nations the majority are strangers to practical godliness: so that there is a pressing necessity for the cause of Jesus being built up. This state of things will not be perpetuated. Spiritual Christianity must be revived and extended. The prophecies clearly predict this. God has distinctly promised it. Jesus suffered in the joyful expectation that the whole earth should be filled with his glory. Our own views, feelings, and prayers establish this as the conviction of our hearts. We believe that the ordinances of religion are to be perpetuated, and become universal. That the gospel is to be conveyed and preached to every creature. That the kingdom of Christ will come. That universal righteousness and peace shall bless the world, and that the waters of life shall give holy verdure and fruitfulness to the whole earth. Yes, the cause of Jesus must and will be built up. Of Christ it is said, "He shall live," &c., Psa_72:15, Psa_72:16. But of this building up of the cause of Christ we observe,
II. It can only be done by the working of his people.
We do not mean that God could not do it in any other way. By angels or by the agency of miracles. But we mean that God has settled upon the plan, and he has fixed upon the instrumentality of the Church for effecting it. And therefore as the Great Architect is he whose design is perfect and cannot be improved, that it will not be changed, and that he will build up his cause by the working of his people. This labor, which devolves therefore on his disciples, is exceedingly varied in its form and character. As all the members and parts of the body,’97muscles, nerves, tendons, the internal organs, &c., the minute and the large, the hands and the feet, all work, and all differently,’97so this work of building up the Church presents endless diversity to the attention, &c. of the people of God. Observe,
1. He calls the Church to this.
"Arise, shine," &c. "Let your light go shine before men," &c. Go, "work today," &c. Hence they are the Lord’s husbandry. God’s fellow-laborers. His army. His witnesses, &c.
2. He gives them ability and talents for this.
See this beautifully exhibited, Rom_12:4-8. The parable of the talents also illustrates this. Every one has some peculiar talent and sphere of usefulness,’97schools,’97the sick,’97the intemperate, &c.
3. In every age he has thus employed his faithful people.
In the Jewish Church. In the first age of the Christian era. We see apostles, evangelists, deacons, and members, all laboring and working for God. We find counsellors, military men, and fishermen, all working for God. We find women helping the apostles, and all striving for the success of the gospel. We see knowledge and eloquence, wealth and influence, all consecrated to the cause of the Lord. In no case did the cause of
Christ flourish when the people were cold, lethargic, or indifferent. Theoretical speculations will not do. Learning will not do. Gorgeous services will not do. Personal self-mortification will not do. Alone, even prayer itself will be unavailing. The work must be done. We proceed to notice, then,
III. That Christ’s disciples should cheerfully devote themselves to the work.
Not only work according to their ability and talents, but be devoted, solemnly consecrated as the men of old, and that this devotion should be cheerful. "Had a mind." What meaning and emphasis there is in this, "a mind." We ask,
1. Should not the love of Christ produce this mind?
"Let that mind," &c. Did he not work? "Wist ye not," &c. He could say, "The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up." "I must work," &c. His soul was straitened till he could say, "I have finished the work," &c. "If any man have not the spirit," &c.
2. Should not compassion to souls produce this mind?
Look at the quarry of nature. See the materials. Precious, deathless,’97redeemed,’97yet perishing. Do you not feel and long for their salvation? Do you not pray’97
"Oh, that the world might taste and see, The riches of his grace."
3. Should not gratitude inspire us with love to the work?
"I beseech you by the mercies of God," &c. By the precious blood that redeemed. The Spirit who sanctified. The promises applied. The peace produced. The joy excited. The hope which illumines, &c.
4. Should not the reward?
God will recompense you: read Mat_19:29. Then, my dear brethren, be faithful and diligent, and abounding in the work of the Lord, &c.
Application
1. To those who work not. The indolent servant will have the same doom as the wicked enemy. The duty is imperative to work for God. Many are willing to enjoy, to receive, but not to work.
2. To those who work half-heartedly.
Is this your love to Christ? In this way you cannot have comfort, &c. Look at the slaves of sin and Satan, how they work.
3. To those who cheerfully work for God. Be firm and constant. Look to God for his blessing, &c.
4. Our opportunities of working for God are rapidly passing away.
Soon our bodies and charge must be laid down together. "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do," &c. After all, how unprofitable! Let us,
5. Be anxious for the work of grace to be carried on within us.
"Carry on thy new creation,
Pure and holy may we be,
Let us see our whole salvation
Perfectly secured by thee.
Chang’d from glory into glory,
Till in heaven we take our place,
Till we cast our crowns before thee.
Lost in wonder, love, and praise."
Autor: JABEZ BURNS