3 And they said to me, “The remnant there in the province who had survived the exile is in great trouble and shame. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are destroyed by fire.”

After their Babylonian captivity, a portion of the Jewish people returned home to Jerusalem under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Ezra. When the Jews returned to Jerusalem, their priority was to rebuild the temple.  The Jews then needed to restore their outer city wall in order to keep them safe from their emeries and provide security to their families.  This focus on the temple was noble, but there was descension amongst the people as to what the priorities should be in how Jerusalem should be restored.  We also see read in Nehemiah 2:17 how Nehemiah told the leaders of Jerusalem, “You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.”  There was not only a lack of focus amongst the Jews, but there was also a lack of motivation from those who were in leadership. 

As Christians we need to be intentional in how we serve and honor God.  Nothing ever remains constant; you are either growing in Christ or backsliding.  If there was ever a time you loved or served God more than you do currently, you are backsliding.  We need to continue to grow as church, and as an academy, so that we can be used in service more each day for Christ.  

Inevitably the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem became a clear sign to the enemies of Israel as to who they served, and ultimately who was protecting them.  Prayerfully asking God to help us grow our church and academy is a clear sign to our community about our commitment to making Christ’s name known throughout Palm Coast.  Nehemiah 6:16 says, “When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God”.   If we stay focused upon God, not only will He guide and bless our endeavors, we will show our community what a mighty God we serve.

Dr. Harrison