If you have been following these devos, you know that Nehemiah secures permission from king Artaxerxes in Babylon to go to Jerusalem and rebuild the city, which was in a shambles. A city in those days without a wall and gates was open season for anyone who wanted to attack, and because of that there was no security and the people lived in fear. 

After surveying the mess, Nehemiah said to the people, “You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.” I also told them about the gracious hand of my God upon me and what the king had said to me. (Nehemiah 2:17-18).

Chapter three of Nehemiah is the account of that rebuilding with the leaders who oversaw the rebuilding of each section. If you read Nehemiah 3 you see one refrain that is repeated over and over. That refrain is “Next to him.” For every section that was being repaired there was another leader “next to him” repairing his section. In fact, if I were to name this chapter I would name it “Next to him.” 

Scripture repeats things that are important and the important factor in this chapter is the fact that the people stood shoulder to shoulder to get this job done. There was always someone next to you contributing to the effort. No one was alone. Next to him and next to him and next to him and next to him and the list goes on.

What would happen in our congregation if we stood next to each other to accomplish what God is calling us to accomplish? If anything the trend today is away from involvement and participation. If that had happened in Nehemiah’s day, the wall would not have been rebuilt. I think of all that could be accomplished for God’s kingdom in our own worlds if we were to stand shoulder to shoulder with others to do the important things He calls us to do.

Who are you standing next to in ministry and who is standing next to you? Nothing of significance happens without others standing next to us to see something accomplished for God. Whether it is serving in the church, serving in the community, mentoring kids at risk, feeding the hungry or serving the shut-ins, there is power when we have people next to us and when we stand next to others. When we do it alone or not at all, we weaken the impact of what God wants to do through us. When we do it together it is a beautiful picture of God’s people being God’s people.

Father, in our selfish world where our own desires take precedence over the plans you have for your people, would you give me ways to stand next to others and would you give me people who will stand next to me? Thank you. Amen.