BETTER TOGETHER
Nehemiah 2:11-20
INTRODUCTION:
Tonto and the Lone Ranger were riding through a canyon together one day — when all of a sudden both sides of the Canyon Peaks became filled with Native American warriors on horse back. Each were covered in warpaint and dressed for battle. It was at that point that the Lone Ranger turned to Tonto and asked, “What are we going to do?” To which, Tonto replied, “What you mean ’we,’ — Whiteman?”
While it may be possible to accomplish some things on our own…the greatest achievements (in life and in ministry — and certainly the DREAMS that God gives us)…will always require the grand partnership of others. What I’m saying is, you can’t accomplish the BEST THINGS in life alone! That’s why even in Eden — as God was creating life and populating the planet — he chose to create more than just Adam. In fact, as God put it…”It is NOT GOOD for man to be alone!” And so He gave Adam the gift of Eve.
As we continue to DREAM about the future of our Church and ministry, we must never move away from the need for expanding our relationships and growing together.
Even Nehemiah — a leader who walked the planet 500 years before Jesus understood this principle. He recognized (as great as he was), his ultimate success at accomplishing his dream of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem rested not on his ability…but on the shoulders of the people living in city of Jerusalem.
If the story of Nehemiah teaches us anything, it’s this — Partnership has the potential of producing the greatest possibilities within our lives. Having said that — if you’ve got your Bible, I’d like for you turn with me this morning to the Old Testament book of Nehemiah. We will be studying a passage in Nehemiah chapter 2.
TRANSITION:
God’s dreams are always bigger than our dreams!
BIG GAINS ALWAYS REQUIRE GREAT RISKS!
GOD’S DREAMS ARE NEVER ACCOMPLISHED ALONE!
A little background on this story for those who may not have been with us the past couple of weeks.
As we noted, Nehemiah was a Hebrew man — who lived in Susa — another nation (more than 1000 miles away from Jerusalem). His people (the people of Israel) had at one time been a great a powerful nation…but because of their sin, and arrogance, God allowed them to be defeated in battle and overtaken.
When that happened, the best and brightest young men were taken as prisoners and enslaved by Babylon. But the time Nehemiah comes on the scene, the Persians were now in control…and Nehemiah had been promoted through the ranks to Cup Bearer to the great and powerful King Artaxerxes. Nehemiah lived 500 years before the time of Christ…and was ultimately used to accomplish one of the greatest comebacks any nation has ever seen. So, Nehemiah gets word that his homeland is in ruins. The walls of the city of Jerusalem were in disrepair.
His heart was broken for his people. He realized — with the nation of God suffering, it was a reflection on God Himself. And so, for the next four months be prayed…asking God what could be done.
During those days — he knew God had given him a great DREAM that would require great FAITH…and he was determined to fulfill that DREAM! But as we soon discover, he couldn’t do it alone! He needed others…and SO DO WE!
MESSAGE:
So, with that in mind — look with me at Nehemiah chapter 2, beginning at verse 11. And Nehemiah writes…
“11 So I arrived in Jerusalem. Three days later, 12 I slipped out during the night, taking only a few others with me. I had not told anyone about the plans God had put in my heart for Jerusalem. We took no pack animals with us except the donkey I was riding. 13 After dark I went out through the Valley Gate, past the Jackal’s Well, and over to the Dung Gate to inspect the broken walls and burned gates. 14 Then I went to the Fountain Gate and to the King’s Pool, but my donkey couldn’t get through the rubble. 15 So, though it was still dark, I went up the Kidron Valley instead, inspecting the wall before I turned back and entered again at the Valley Gate.
16 The city officials did not know I had been out there or what I was doing, for I had not yet said anything to anyone about my plans. I had not yet spoken to the Jewish leaders—the priests, the nobles, the officials, or anyone else in the administration. 17 But now I said to them, “You know very well what trouble we are in. Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire. Let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem and end this disgrace!” 18 Then I told them about how the gracious hand of God had been on me, and about my conversation with the king. They replied at once, “Yes, let’s rebuild the wall!” So they began the good work.”
As this story reveals, Nehemiah knew his DREAM for rebuilding the walls around the city of Jerusalem would take many, many people to accomplish. In light of that — he calls them and inspires them with with these words from verse 17, “Let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem and end this disgrace!” Then he told the people how the hand of God had been working in his own life and how God had given him favor with the King — and even others in authority. And then the Bible tells us, “… So they began the good work.”
Now, why do I bring this up today? Because…Folks, for months I have looked forward to this day as I’ve anticipated the wonder and joy of sharing the NEXT BIG STEPS to be taken as we accomplish the DREAM God has given us! And so, this morning…I want to walk you through this passage — and then make some personal remarks regarding our church’s ministries.
So, look with me again at verse 11. Here we discover that even though God had given him a dream…he had only shared it with a few.
“11 So I arrived in Jerusalem. Three days later, 12 I slipped out during the night, taking only a few others with me. I had not told anyone about the plans God had put in my heart for Jerusalem. We took no pack animals with us except the donkey I was riding. 13 After dark I went out through the Valley Gate, past the Jackal’s Well, and over to the Dung Gate to inspect the broken walls and burned gates. 14 Then I went to the Fountain Gate and to the King’s Pool, but my donkey couldn’t get through the rubble. 15 So, though it was still dark, I went up the Kidron Valley instead, inspecting the wall before I turned back and entered again at the Valley Gate.
In my own life, I have come to understand the importance of guarding the DREAM!
16 The city officials did not know I had been out there or what I was doing, for I had not yet said anything to anyone about my plans. I had not yet spoken to the Jewish leaders—the priests, the nobles, the officials, or anyone else in the administration. 17 But now I said to them, “You know very well what trouble we are in. Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire. Let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem and end this disgrace!”
If you share your DREAM too early — it may not be understood, and probably won’t be embraced. As Nehemiah demonstrates, its imperative that you first do your due diligence and prepare adequately before revealing your dream to others.
Just look at Nehemiah’s progression.
- He begins by going to God in prayer.
- Then he researches the details of the dream.
- Then he speaks with those in authority.
- Then he turns to those with influence (seeking their favor).
- Then he personally investigates the conditions that would affect his decisions in fulfilling God’s dream.
- And only after a lengthy season of preparation does he then share the dream with the people of Jerusalem…those he was dependent upon STEPPING UP and HELPING HIM do the work.
Some social scientists argue that modern America is the most individualistic society ever to live. However, you were not created for yourself. You were also not created to be by yourself. The purpose behind your existence, along with every other human being in history, is for you to know and be known by both God and others.
God has not called us to a life of loneliness.
In fact, His plans include a sense of community and partnership. He has designed us to work together — laboring alongside one another to accomplish the many dreams and plans He has placed in our hearts.
“Two people are better than one because they get more done by working together (Ecclesiastes 4:9)
“And since we are all one body in Christ, we belong to each other and each of us needs all the others.” (Romans 12:5b)
“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)
Together we’re better, stronger, smarter, and more powerful! Don’t waste another year doing life alone. In fact, the Bible tells us, when we come together in unity there is a commanded blessing.
You and I become all that God has created us to be — when we connect with others in an atmosphere of faith.
So, who is it that is standing with you, holding you up in your faith? And who are you encouraging in theirs?
The Bible makes it clear that God never intended our lives to be lived in isolation. We were designed to connect — like “legos”, we were designed to link up with others. And it’s to this kind of life that Jesus invites us into. A life defined by change and growth. And no where do that happen better than in relationship with others as we grow closer to Jesus.
Community is God’s answer to LONELINESS.
“As each part does its work, It helps the other parts grow. So Christ’s whole body is healthy and growing and, full of love.” Ephesians 4:16
And that picture of togetherness leads us to corporately discover the dream and vision that God has for our lives.
- It’s better together because more can be accomplished.
- It’s better together because everyone needs someone.
- It’s better together because there is strength in numbers.
(At this point within this message we paused to consider a specific dream and vision that God had given to the local church I pastored. We conveyed the importance of daring to do great things for God — and explored new areas of outreach and ministry in our city).
Returning to the message — I want you to understand, God’s dreams are ALWAYS bigger than our dreams!
BIG GAINS ALWAYS REQUIRE GREAT RISKS! And one of the BIGGEST risks we can take is by becoming vulnerable and connected to one another. Even so, take the step and dare to connect.
And as you do, dream a BIG dream for God. For Nehemiah, that dream was about building a wall — a barrier of protection and care for his people. However, God’s dream for you in me (whatever it is) will always include the building of the church. Designing ministry and outreach where people can gather to celebrate Christ and life up His name.
So, commit. Get involved. Show up. And serve.
GOD’S DREAMS ARE NEVER ACCOMPLISHED ALONE!
Scripture does not refer to the church as “the individuals of God” but rather “the people of God.”
In his master plan — God has chosen us as his special possession and bonded us to one another – so that we might be on mission together with Him. Together, we are able to more effectively point the world toward God’s glory.
Commitment and community require that we do more than just sit in a pew and listen to a sermon. To build these Christ-centered relationships we must be the church, not just go to church. This is our DREAM! Let’s live it together!
CONCLUSION:
Well, like Nehemiah, I am calling you to do something great — that will require you to give of yourself — invest your time and energy — and even leverage your financial resources together with others from this church and the other — for the good of the Kingdom of God.
And I’m asking you to do this — because I believe your personal sacrifice and step of faith has the potential of changing our world and creating a much bigger and much brighter future for those who will come after us. But even more than that — I believe your efforts today will help us reach more people with the message of Christ — and will enlarge the Kingdom of God in ways we’ve never dreamed!
I will tell you…what I am asking you to do is a huge step forward — and it’s not without risk! But nothing great is ever accomplished with risk!
So, we could pass on this opportunity and choose to remain the same and play it safe and not take a risk. But if we do…we are passing up God’s dream and choosing to handle this moment like the man Jesus spoke of who (out of fear and insecurity) chose to bury his talent of silver and never did anything with it. But if you recall — the master had some pretty stern words of rebuke for that man.
Or we can attempt a grand dream and see a future that is full of God favor.
“So, let’s dream big and let’s become the church God has destined us to be.”
CLOSING PRAYER
God, help us to bear with each other. Help us to encourage one another. Help us to love one another. Help us to live in harmony with one another. And enable us to be the church — a community of “called out ones” laboring together to begin the good news of the gospel to the people of this world. Help us to dare to do great things together…all for your glory! In Jesus name, amen!