Day 31 – July 1, 2025
55-day Devotional Journey – Day 31
Scripture:
Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brothers the priests, and they built the Sheep Gate. They consecrated it and set its doors. They consecrated it as far as the Tower of the Hundred, as far as the Tower of Hananel. And next to him the men of Jericho built. And next to them Zaccur the son of Imri built. The sons of Hassenaah built the Fish Gate. They laid its beams and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars. And next to them Meremoth the son of Uriah, son of Hakkoz repaired. And next to them Meshullam the son of Berechiah, son of Meshezabel repaired. And next to them Zadok the son of Baana repaired. And next to them the Tekoites repaired, but their nobles would not stoop to serve their Lord. Joiada the son of Paseah and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah repaired the Gate of Yeshanah. They laid its beams and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars. And next to them repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite and Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon and of Mizpah, the seat of the governor of the province Beyond the River. Next to them Uzziel the son of Harhaiah, goldsmiths, repaired. Next to him Hananiah, one of the perfumers, repaired, and they restored Jerusalem as far as the Broad Wall. Next to them Rephaiah the son of Hur, ruler of half the district of Jerusalem, repaired. Next to them Jedaiah the son of Harumaph repaired opposite his house. And next to him Hattush the son of Hashabneiah repaired. Malchijah the son of Harim and Hasshub the son of Pahath-moab repaired another section and the Tower of the Ovens. Next to him Shallum the son of Hallohesh, ruler of half the district of Jerusalem, repaired, he and his daughters. Hanun and the inhabitants of Zanoah repaired the Valley Gate. They rebuilt it and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars, and repaired a thousand cubits of the wall, as far as the Dung Gate. Malchijah the son of Rechab, ruler of the district of Beth-haccherem, repaired the Dung Gate. He rebuilt it and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars.
Nehemiah 3:1–14 (ESV)
Reflection:
In Nehemiah 3, we see a beautiful picture of unity and cooperation. From the high priest to the ordinary people, everyone worked together to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem. Each person had a task, whether building gates, setting doors, or repairing sections of the wall, and together, they shared one mission: to restore God's city and bring glory to His Name.
Today, the Church functions in the same way. We are the body of Christ, each with unique gifts, talents, and roles, all called to participate in God's work. Some teach, some encourage, some serve, some pray, and no contribution is insignificant. Every part of the work matters, and we build up the Church for God's glory.
At NYCBC, we also build spiritual walls — guarding the truth, spreading the gospel, and making disciples. Let's encourage one another to use the gifts God has given us and work together in love to fulfill His mission.
Reflection Question:
How can you use the gifts God has given you to bless NYCBC and work together with others to fulfill God's mission?
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for placing us in Your spiritual family and allowing us to work together for Your kingdom. Help us to serve like the people of Israel in Nehemiah's time — united, willing, and faithful. Show us how to use our gifts to bring You glory and build up Your Church. In Jesus' Name we pray, Amen.
By Pastor Pierre Tang