Walking in the truth of God's Word
Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | November 3, 2023 | Nehemiah 3:6-12
KEY VERSE:
The Jeshanah Gate was repaired by Joiada son of Paseah and Meshullam son of Besodeiah. They laid its beams and put its doors and bolts and bars in place. Nehemiah 3:6 (NIV)
MESSAGE:
The third gate in our trip around the walls of ancient Jerusalem is the Old Gate. Most English Bible translations use the name Old Gate, but in the NIV Bible, it is called the Jeshanah Gate. No one can insist on a unique special meaning for this gate. One can only meditate on various ideas from the designation ‘Old’ Gate. The Old Gate is made new, repaired, and strengthened. Strengthened to fulfil the purpose of the Fish Gate, and possible only because of the Sheep Gate. This speaks to us of the old ways of truth. A young Christian having experienced the sheep gate, and then the fish gate soon sees the need to experience the old gate. This means learning the old ways of truth that never change. Jeremiah 6:16 states 'Thus says the Lord, Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is and walk in it; And you will find rest for your souls.' Too many Christians today want something new. The latest teaching, the latest experience, or they try to change the truth to make it acceptable with what the world thinks is right today. But the Ancient of Days calls us back to His long-established ways that do not change and remain the same yesterday, today and forever. The old gate reminds us that the Word of God never changes and that we are to seek after the truth of God’s Word. The old gate represents discipleship, growth and maturity in our walk in Christ and God’s Word.
From the description of the repairers of the Old Gate, one immediately observes that no expert builders were listed. There were priests, priests’ helpers, goldsmiths, perfume makers, and women, but no expert builders or carpenters were named. These were men of different professions, not professional builders. It would have seemed they had an easy excuse to not do anything, but they jumped in and did the work. The most important ability in the work of the Lord is availability. The one with few gifts and little talent, who has passion and drive to see God’s work done, will accomplish far more than a gifted and talented person who doesn’t have the passion and drive to do the Lord’s work.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
After being born again – having gone through the Sheep Gate, and excitedly sharing Jesus with others – experience the Sheep Gate, we need to be grounded in God's Word. This is His Logos, the written Word that is from of old – the Old Gate. We do this by making ourselves available to be taught God’s Word and studying the Bible ourselves. This process will go on for some time and we will mature and experience the joy of knowing Him more.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of salvation and for calling me to be a fisher of men for you. I avail myself to you today and pray that you help me to be a student and doer of your Word. In Jesus’ name, I pray Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSINGS. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
DAILY word study: REPAIRED The Word in Repaired is translated in Hebrew as "ולקשוה" (wā·lə·qā·šō·wāh). It denotes the act of restoring or fixing something that has been damaged or deteriorated.
The use of the word in scripture denotes:
Physical Restoration: The term is commonly used in the context of repairing physical structures, such as gates, walls, or buildings. It implies the restoration of functionality and integrity.
Symbolic Restoration: In a broader sense, biblical "repair" can also carry symbolic significance, representing the restoration of relationships, communities, or spiritual well-being.
In our key verse for today, the use of Repaired teaches us about:
Physical and Spiritual Repair: The repair of the Jeshanah Gate mirrors the broader biblical theme of restoration, not only in the physical realm but also in spiritual aspects. Just as structures need repair, individuals and communities require renewal.
Collaborative Efforts: The involvement of specific individuals in the repair work suggests a collaborative effort. Reflecting on this, we consider the importance of collective action in addressing issues and restoring what is broken.
Integrity and Functionality: Repair involves not only fixing what is visibly damaged but also ensuring that the structure functions effectively. In a spiritual context, this may involve addressing both external behaviours and internal attitudes.
Reflections:
How can we actively engage in the process of repair and restoration, both in the physical and spiritual dimensions of our lives, contributing to the well-being and functionality of our communities?
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