This past Sunday, we dove into a seemingly “dry” section of Scripture—Nehemiah chapter 11, a chapter full of names and census data. Yet, even in this list, we discovered profound, timeless truths about what it means to live a life submitted to God’s mission.
Nehemiah 11 isn’t just a historical footnote; it’s a powerful invitation for us to re-examine our lives, specifically one area we often overlook: our geography.
The Problem: A Secure City, an Empty Heart
By chapter 11, the walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt, the gates were set, and spiritual order was restored. Victory! Yet, a major problem remained: Nobody wanted to live there.
The city was secure, but underpopulated. Moving to Jerusalem at that time was not about comfort; it was about commitment. It meant:
- Risk: The city was still mostly ruins and a prime target for enemies.
- Sacrifice: People had to uproot their comfortable, established lives in the country for an uncertain place.
- Hardship: Starting over meant rebuilding homes and livelihoods with little existing infrastructure.
The people of God had to confront a choice: stay comfortable or step into the difficult call of Kingdom mission.
The Solution: Leadership, Sacrifice, and Submission
The people ultimately addressed the underpopulation problem with a combination of selfless leadership and radical trust.
1. Leaders Set the Pace by Sacrifice
Nehemiah 11:1 notes that the leaders moved to Jerusalem first. They didn’t point fingers from a safe distance; they packed their own bags, embraced the hardship, and set the example. Leadership 101: You don’t ask people to do what you yourself are not willing to do. By leading first, they communicated to everyone: This mission matters.
2. The People Followed by Trust
Most people were not lining up to move voluntarily. The community decided to cast lots to choose who would live in Jerusalem. This wasn’t a game of chance; it was an act of faith. As Proverbs 16:33 says, “The lot is cast into the lap, but every decision is from the Lord.” The people submitted their living situation to God, trusting Him to sort out the outcome.
Note on Volunteers: The text blesses those who volunteered, showing that everyone recognized this was a costly act of obedience and sacrifice.
Timeless Truths for Today: Four Golden Nuggets
What does this ancient census list have to say to followers of Jesus in the 21st century?
1. Mission Sometimes Requires Sacrifice
Just as the families in Nehemiah gave up comfort and certainty, faithful living today often comes with a cost. It might cost you your comforts, your routines, or your preferences. We reflected on Moses, who gave up the luxury of Egypt because he considered the reproach of Christ “greater riches” (Hebrews 11:26). Mission often requires us to loosen our grip on comfort and control.
2. View Geography as Stewardship
This is perhaps the most striking lesson: Our zip code needs to be brought into submission to Christ’s lordship. We submit our careers and our relationships to God, but do we ever stop and ask, “Lord, is this where you want me to live?”
Our address is not just where we get packages; it’s where Jesus intends to extend His presence through us. We are challenged to ask: “Is this where you will use me best for your kingdom?”
3. Be Faithful in Small Things
The individuals listed in Nehemiah 11 weren’t all governors or high priests. They were gatekeepers, temple servants, and ordinary city dwellers. Yet, their presence mattered enough for their names to be recorded in God’s holy word.
As Jesus said, “He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much” (Luke 16:10). The Kingdom doesn’t always advance through headline moments, but through countless, unseen acts of obedience:
- Teaching a child a Bible lesson.
- Opening your home to neighbors.
- Praying quietly before you start your day.
Faithfulness in small things is what God often uses to build great things.
4. Be Faithful in All Places
The text also honors those who stayed outside Jerusalem, listing their names as well. These people were not second-class citizens. The life of God’s people depended on both those in the city and those outside the city.
Not everyone is called to the spotlight. Some are called to serve in small towns, workplaces, schools, and neighborhoods. The work “out there” is just as sacred as the work “in here.” God’s mission is about His people being salt and light in the ordinary places of life.
Your Presence Matters
Nehemiah 11 reminds us that where you are placed physically can be a spiritual calling. Every hallway, cubicle, and classroom is a place where God can work through you.
Just like Peter, Andrew, James, and John, who immediately left their nets and boats to follow Jesus, we are called to something bigger than ourselves. Our obedience matters. Our presence matters. Our faithfulness in the small things matters.
How far will you go to follow Jesus? The families in Nehemiah 11 stepped forward. The disciples left their nets. Will we choose to have moments of great surrender, great sacrifice, and great trust today?
Based on the sermon delivered on Nehemiah 11.
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