by Mark Clements
Wednesday, April 17
People Are Chosen To Live in Jerusalem
Nehemiah 11:1-19
“And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts to dwell in other cities. And the people blessed all the men, that willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem,” Nehemiah 11:1, 2.
Now that the wall was completed around the city of Jerusalem and order had been restored, it was important that it be populated by people. If the city was left uninhabited, it would increase the likelihood that it would be overrun and destroyed again by outsiders. More importantly, if worship in the Temple and the sacrificial system were to be restored, a healthy infrastructure of citizens was needed to support it. In order to determine who would move from outside to inside the city, lots were cast. One out of ten people were selected to move into the city limits. Even though they were selected by lot, they moved to the city willingly and received the blessing of the people for doing so.
This snapshot in the history of Israel is a reminder of the importance of proximity in biblical community. Often it is necessary for believers to physically relocate due to jobs, schools or family needs. Many times, the consideration for where to live is determined by housing costs, neighborhoods, quality of schools or other factors. What if more Christians determined where to live based upon how close they would be to the church of their membership? In order for churches to remain healthy, it is important for its members to maintain a close brotherhood. This is enhanced when members actually live close to each other and support the work of the church. Consider what you can do to gather around fellow church members more often.
JUST A THOUGHT: The closer we are the stronger we are.
April 17, 2019 at 09:00
This sounds very much like what America needs right now and as far as where to move to, I go where the Lord tells me to and live where He wants me to and right now I drive 30 miles one way to the church He wants me in. We must keep in mind that the flesh can lead us and miss where God wants us.
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April 17, 2019 at 12:55
Yes the flesh can. Thanks Sue
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April 17, 2019 at 15:06
Reblogged this on Talmidimblogging.
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April 17, 2019 at 16:08
Thanks brother Vincent
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April 17, 2019 at 17:21
You’re very welcome Brother Wally 👍😎
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April 17, 2019 at 15:38
I was blessed with following God’s plan throughout my teaching career. He took me to six different school systems in 40 years, and each move was an act of faith in Him.
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April 17, 2019 at 16:10
Wow that is some serious moving. I did plenty back before I was a believer. Arkansas, Texas, Germany, Texas, Utah, Wyoming, then back to Arkansas. That was over 15 years lol.
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April 17, 2019 at 17:28
Amen,:)
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April 18, 2019 at 03:00
This spoke to me: ” In order for churches to remain healthy, it is important for its members to maintain a close brotherhood. This is enhanced when members actually live close to each other and support the work of the church. ”
Right now I have some things in the ministry with lot of our single guys who are having difficulties been leaving since they want to be in relationships but their life is not in order job wise, responsibility, sanctification, etc. I was thinking a lot of this point about the support of the work of the Church and unity and yet not compromising…going to email you right now btw
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April 18, 2019 at 08:10
Yes…that is a dilemma. We are to have unity, yet we have to not compromise in some areas. That’s a tough one, and I certainly have no answers or counsel in this area, as I apparently don’t know how to accomplish it myself. The local church, composed of a local, called out asembly of believers is vital. When we all not only serve God together, but live and even work together, brotherhood is enhanced. But, what when trust is betrayed and some are pushed to the fringes. I suppose that’s when the wolves snatch them away.
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April 18, 2019 at 12:56
Amen brother Wally; praying
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April 18, 2019 at 13:01
Thanks brother
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April 18, 2019 at 13:17
The most blessed to be is in His will, whatever the external circumstances looks like
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August 1, 2019 at 13:45
Thanks so much for sharing
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