It's Time To Build
Nehemiah 2:9-20
Hello and thank you for joining me on Van Life Devotions. The Bible says, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens” (Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV). It then lists twenty-eight activities which includes “a time to build” (Ecclesiastes 3:3 NIV).
Today, there may be a person watching or listening that needs to hear that for you, it is time to build.
For Nehemiah, He heard God say that it’s time to build.
But first, let’s go back around 100 years before Nehemiah and the final destruction of Jerusalem in 586 B.C. was devasting. Nebuchadnezzar levelled Jerusalem, destroying its walls, every major building, and the temple. Then he took every skilled citizen into captivity.
There were three main returns of those who were in exile. The first and second returns are described in the Book of Ezra, and they rebuilt the altar and Temple in Jerusalem.
The third return happened just 13 years later and is recorded in the Book of Nehemiah. It started with some people reporting to Nehemiah that back in Jerusalem the walls still laid in ruins. Nehemiah was upset and started fasting and praying. He then boldly asked the king if he could return and rebuild the city. Amazingly, the king agreed.
After traveling to Jerusalem and inspecting the ruins, Nehemiah shared his vision to rebuild the walls. Without strong walls, Jerusalem was unprotected. The people agreed saying, “Let us start rebuilding” (Nehemiah 2:18 NIV). For Nehemiah, it was a time to build.
Maybe God is saying to you: “it’s time to build”.
The Apostle Peter was told by Jesus to build the church. Matthew 16:18 says, “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it” (Matthew 16:18 NIV). And that’s what the Apostles did and interestingly, not one brick was laid. Instead, they built into the lives of people.
Is it time for you to build? It might not have anything to do with bricks and mortar but everything to do with building relationships, building faith, building dreams, building a new ministry.
With God as your guide and strength, start building.
David Moyes
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