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"And the people blessed all the men who willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem."
(Nehemiah 11:2)
Desperate times call for desperate measures. This is not a Machiavellian viewpoint (the ends justify the means); rather, there are simply times when we must act. To choose not to act or react could prove detrimental. There are times to wait and take a patient approach, especially when you are unsure which path to take. However, there are times when it is very clear what you need to do, and you need the courage to do it.
In our biblical text for today's devotional, the people blessed those who willingly offered themselves to live in Jerusalem. (The Hebrew word translated "blessed" is barak, which has the meaning to congratulate or salute. It was an intense blessing or thanking of those who agreed to come and live in Jerusalem.) Though lots were cast, I think the people or heads of the homes had the right to say, "I am not going." But when casting lots ended up drawing their names, they came.
This was indeed a sacrifice. They gave up their nice residences in the suburbs to move into a practically uninhabited city for 142 years. They also knew that by volunteering to go into the city, they would have to work. Sticks, stones, stumps, debris, etc. would have to be moved.
I had a little experience with this type of work when we bought three acres in Arkansas and built our home there years ago. The backyard was filled with debris and rocks, and each time we picked up the rocks and it rained, the earth would donate another batch of rocks for my sons and I to gather in the wheelbarrow. Hard work! (If you want to joke with my sons, Bryant and Leighton, just ask them sometimes about rocks in the back yard in Arkansas!)
The Hebrew word translated "willingly offered" is nadab, which literally means volunteered. Nadab also means to present spontaneously or offer freely. This could be another group of volunteers or the same group chosen by lots. I think it is the same group but does not lessen their commitment or sacrifice.
Some reading this today find yourselves in a place where you clearly need to move forward and act. Do what the Lord has put on your heart to do. Will it be hard and require faith? For sure it will. May God grant you the boldness and courage to lean into what He has for you and go for it! Colossians 3:23 states, "And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men."
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