Day 41 – July 11, 2025
55-day Devotional Journey – Day 41

Scripture:
Now when the wall had been built and I had set up the doors, and the gatekeepers, the singers, and the Levites had been appointed, I gave my brother Hanani and Hananiah the governor of the castle charge over Jerusalem, for he was a more faithful and God-fearing man than many. And I said to them, "Let not the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun is hot. And while they are still standing guard, let them shut and bar the doors. Appoint guards from among the inhabitants of Jerusalem, some at their guard posts and some in front of their own homes." The city was wide and large, but the people within it were few, and no houses had been rebuilt.
Nehemiah 7:1-4 (ESV)

Reflection:
After the walls were repaired and the doors were installed, Nehemiah immediately assigned gatekeepers, singers, and Levites. Then, he assigned his brother Hanani and Hananiah, the commander of the tower, to take charge of the affairs of Jerusalem. He carefully appointed his brother Hanani because he had gone down to Shushan to inform Nehemiah of the plight of Jerusalem (1:2-3) and had a burden for his compatriots. In addition, Hananiah also had experience in managing the tower. Here, it is emphasized that he was chosen because he was a faithful man who feared God above anyone else. We see that when selecting workers for service, morality is more important than talent. Only such people can be consistent in appearance and heart, and pleasing God becomes their attitude in everything they do.

Because the enemy tried every means to attack them, Nehemiah dared not to take it lightly. He specifically instructed the managers to open the city gates after sunrise and to close and bolt the gates before the guards left their posts to prevent the enemy from taking the opportunity to attack. The guards of the holy city were always in a state of alert and waiting. Since the city was vast and the population was sparse, he arranged for all the people to be soldiers, and everyone took turns to guard the city walls of their houses. Although everything was in ruins, under the leadership of Nehemiah, everyone was willing to prioritize God's work by rebuilding the walls that could withstand life and death before building their own houses. The safety of Jerusalem not only required loyal and God-fearing leaders like Nehemiah, but also all the people in Jerusalem to be vigilant, patient, and guarding together.

Reflection Question:
Nehemiah set up guards to watch over the holy city. How can I guard the work God has entrusted to me and stay alert in my mission?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I thank you for entrusting us with the mission of preaching the gospel. Please help me to serve faithfully, fear you, work for you wholeheartedly, plug the gap, and not let the devil attack and hinder your work. Give me the strength to share the holy work with brothers and sisters and spiritual leaders, serve together, be vigilant, wait, and guard the church, and fulfill the mission you have entrusted to us until I see you and receive your praise! In the name of the Lord Jesus, I pray, Amen.

By Pastor Lionel Lam