Text: Nehemiah 7:1-73
We are reminded that the walls have been rebuilt, and the doors also have
been refurbished and installed. The city is now safe from attack. But the people are few (v.4), which means the life of Israel, its worship, and its culture, was still missing. Nehemiah’s next project is to get the people to relocate to the city. Thus, a list of the people was compiled. The main concern was that the inhabitants be from Israel and be believers.
The citizens of the Kingdom of God are the only ones who belong to God.
This is why official Church membership is so important – a distinction is being made. Anyone may attend worship, but only members are those who have been examined by the officers and found to be genuine believers, together with their children. Only members may be baptized (including their children), participate in Holy Communion, and participate in decisions, when appropriate.
Meditate on verse 2. How are you going to respond to it?
Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, help me be diligent in serving
You and Your people. Amen.