August 16, 2023
“Each of the builders had his sword strapped around his waist while he was building, and the one who sounded the ram’s horn was beside me. Then I said to the nobles, the officials, and the rest of the people, ‘The work is enormous and spread out, and we are separated far from one another along the wall. Wherever you hear the sound of the ram’s horn, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us!’” – Nehemiah 4:18-20
In the book of Nehemiah, God’s people are rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. However, they are facing great opposition throughout the project. So, they are forced to work with a sword strapped to their side because they never know when the enemy might attack. Now, I’ve read many devotions and heard many preachers talk about the sword in one hand and the trowel in the other; explaining that as we go about the work of God, we must have the word of God, and we must always be ready for attacks from the enemy of God. However, very seldom do they mention the ram’s horn…
You see, the people not only had a weapon, but they also had a rally cry. They would not be effective against the enemy alone, they needed to fight together. You might be faithfully going about God’s work, and you might be ready to fight when the enemy attacks, but are you ready to gather with your fellow soldiers? You see, God has a lot of work for you to do and Satan wants nothing more than for you to fail. But you cannot be victorious on your own. You need to join your brothers and sisters. You need their strength and their support if you are ever going to accomplish God’s purposes and defeat our enemy. To do the work of God and be victorious over the enemy of God, you need to rally with the people of God.
Heavenly Father, thank You for the incredible blessing of community. As we go about our work with the sword in one hand and the trowel in the other, let us always be listening for the ram’s horn. Let us always be willing and excited to gather together with our brothers and sisters.
In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Shane Cannon