MONDAY May 8, 2017
Laboring in the Work Together
So we labored in the work, and half of the men held the spears from daybreak until the stars appeared. At the same time I also said to the people, “Let each man and his servant stay at night in Jerusalem, that they may be our guard by night and a working party by day.” - Nehemiah 4:21-22
Nehemiah knew exactly what he was doing; he made sure everyone was laboring in the work together. He unified the work and brought oneness between the people. They all had a mind to work with each other from daybreak into the night, they even worked around the clock, they never ceased––imagine that!
Nehemiah also arranged for the people to sleep inside the city walls so there was no longer any danger in the fields. These men could also be stationed as guards at night, their defenses would never be let down. God’s people did not give any opportunity for the enemy to attack them.
The Apostle Paul explained how we labor together with God in the work of the Gospel. He used terms that were understood by the people:
For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building. According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 3:9-10).
It is important to know that we are God’s fellow workers and that Christ is the foundation of the Church. Knowing that Christ has won the victory on the cross means that we can labor for the Lord from the stance of victory.
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
~1 Corinthians 15:58~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!
