Pay Attention to the Women, the Children, and the Youth

Rev. Enoch Thompson | December 28, 2023 | Nehemiah 10:28-29

KEY VERSE:

"The rest of the people — priests, Levites, gatekeepers, singers, temple servants and all who separated themselves from the neighbouring peoples for the sake of the Law of God, together with their wives and all their sons and daughters who are able to understand.  Nehemiah 10:28 (NIV)

MESSAGE:

In many cultures’ women, children and young people are often left out of politics and do not have a voice in matters of decision-making. In the context of the Church, children and youth are often not given attention, and the serious business of the church revolves around the male adults.

In our text for today, we see how intentionally Nehemiah included the women“and all their sons and daughters who are able to understand.” The Lord Jesus Christ in the days of His earthly ministry addressed the backstage place of women and of children when He involved women in His ministry (e.g., Luke 8:1-2), and used children as the icon of the Kingdom citizen (Matthew 19:14). The beloved Apostle John was a young man, and yet featured in the inner circle of the Lord and His ministry team.

If you have leadership roles in the Church please be reminded of the place of women, youth, and children. If you find yourself in any of the three groups above you need to realize that God has a place of worth for women, young people, and children.  The programmes and budgets of the church must make room for these groups. Special human resources should be directed towards them because God gives us the picture of His end-time people:

¹⁷"'In the last days, God says,

I will pour out my Spirit on all people.

Your sons and daughters will prophesy,

your young men will see visions,

your old men will dream dreams.

¹⁸ Even on my servants, both men and women,

I will pour out my Spirit in those days,

and they will prophesy. Acts 2:17-18 (NIV).

May all the segments of the family of God find themselves around the table of God in our families, churches, and ministries. Children, young people, and women must not only be at the table for discussion, but they must also be around the table of discussion.

FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:

If you are male, what do you think of women? If you are an adult, what do you think of children and the youth? If you are a woman, a child, a teen, or a woman, what of you think of men?

Our views may be coloured by cultural portrayals or our own experiences of the other groups. Let us awake to the biblical vision of God’s family and give each person their place around God’s table.

PRAYER:

Lord, I confess that consciously or unconsciously I am influenced by the faulty views of people of different sex and age groupings, and sometimes I do not treat people the way you would want me to. Please forgive me and make me like you in my interactions and treatment of others. For your dear Name’s sake, Amen.

THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.

SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!! DAILY word study: THE REST OF THE PEOPLE

The Hebrew phrase for "REST OF THE PEOPLE" in Nehemiah 10:28 is "שְׁאֵרִית הָעָם" (she'erit ha'am). It refers to the remaining or the rest of the people.

This verse lists various groups of people who, along with the priests and Levites, were committing themselves to the obligations of the covenant.

This phrase encompasses the broader community beyond the priests and Levites. It includes diverse roles such as gatekeepers, musicians, and temple servants, emphasizing the collective commitment of the entire community. It underscores the unity in the commitment to the covenant. It signifies that the covenant is not limited to a specific group but involves the active participation of various segments of the community. The verse highlights not only who is included but also those who have separated themselves from the neighbouring peoples. This separation implies a commitment to distinctiveness and adherence to God's ways.

The mention of the "REST OF THE PEOPLE" in the context of making a covenant indicates the inclusivity and unity within the community of faith. It suggests that the commitment to God's ways is a shared responsibility that involves people from various roles and backgrounds. The phrase invites us to ponder the richness that comes from a collective commitment to God's purposes. It encourages us to celebrate the diversity within our communities while recognizing the shared responsibility we have in upholding God's covenant

Reflections

As we consider the concept of the "REST OF THE PEOPLE" committing to the covenant, we may reflect on our communities of faith:

- How inclusive and united are we in our commitment to God's ways?

- Do we recognize and appreciate the diversity of roles and contributions within our community?

- What steps can we take to foster a sense of unity and shared commitment among the various segments of our faith community?

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