SUNDAY August 13, 2017
Consider Your Residence
These are the heads of the province who dwelt in Jerusalem. (But in the cities of Judah everyone dwelt in his own possession in their cities—Israelites, priests, Levites, Nethinim, and descendants of Solomon’s servants.) Also in Jerusalem dwelt some of the children of Judah and of the children of Benjamin… - Nehemiah 11:3-4
Nehemiah 11 records a long list of names of people who dwelt in the city of Jerusalem, and those from among Israel, who dwelt within other cities and villages. Nehemiah listed the names of the urban population and leaders of the providences who lived in Jerusalem (verses 3-24). Included were the Nethinim, descendants of the Gibeonites (Joshua 9). People from the tribes of Judah and Benjamin had also settled in Jerusalem.
Also listed are the names of the priests (verses 10-14), and all the Levites who took care of the business outside of God’s House (verses 15-18). Then the gatekeepers and temple servants were recorded (verse 19-21). Nehemiah wrote down the names of the overseers of the Levites at Jerusalem and the singers (verse 22). The sons of Asaph led the worship in the house of the Lord. They did not entertain the people, but prepared the people’s hearts to receive the Word of God. Pethahiah, the Persian king’s deputy, was also entered on the list of names (verse 24). Then verses 25-36 listed all the names of the rural community.
No matter where you reside, God has placed you there. He has a plan and purpose for your life. He has given you gifts and talents to be used for His glory in the kingdom of God. You might be a gifted worship leader, pastor, administrative assistant, or a maintenance worker in the church. Other people have secular jobs. In whatever area you live and work, you are to be servants of the Lord and a light to all those around you.
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill
cannot be hidden.”
~Matthew 5:14~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!
