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Theme: BE YE ALL OF ONE MIND
Text: “So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof for the people had a mind to work.” – Nehemiah 4:6
Comment: Nehemiah sought and got the permission of the king of Babylon to go home and rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. He mobilised his people for this task. The barrier to progress was created by enemies who strongly opposed this work. It was really tough but Nehemiah reorganised the men into two; one part as guards and the other parts workers who alternated their positions. Their unity of purpose made the children of Israel to be able to complete the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem in a record time notwithstanding the severe threats from their enemies.
Just like in the days of Nehemiah, during the early Church, the believers were united to support one another. They sold their personal possessions “and laid them down at the apostles’ feet; and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need” (Acts 4:35). They were also in one accord praying for one another. Their united prayer got St Peter miraculously released from the prison thereby he escaped the death planned for him by King Herod. (Acts 12:5, 6, 11) In order for us to succeed like the early Christians, unity among us should be top priority in our minds. “Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5.