As First Assembly of God Wortmanville church continues its period of praying and fasting, Bishop Dr. M. Raphael Massiah, continued to teach from the book of Nehemiah. Using Chapter 3, which addressed the story of Nehemiah rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem, Bishop Massiah stated that rebuilding this wall was significant because if a nation is not protected, it will be destroyed. Though the message was focused on Nehemiah’s project of rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem, the Bishop used this analogy to illustrate the importance of building not only physically but building of values within our families, church, communities and workplaces. He also highlighted the various strategies that were used in the rebuilding of the wall. Bishop Massiah emphasised that we each are responsible for the well-being of our family.
Rebuilding the Wall: The Importance of Cooperation
Though Nehemiah appeared as if he was alone in his quest to build the wall, he was the leader and he was not alone. As the Bishop zoomed in on Nehemiah, a pattern of extraordinary coordination was revealed. “One person cannot produce an organisation. All the parts must work together, with respect, for the vision and objectives clearly outlined by the leader. Thus, for us to advance we have to work together,” said Bishop Massiah.
Additionally, he related that if we are going to move forward, there must be an intersection in our relationship with one another and we should not try to compete with each other since this could create a rift within the unit. The Bishop also stressed that if we are going to build, we cannot inject our personal feelings into situations. Instead we should not only take care of what we are personally responsible for but also look out for those around us. As such he urged the congregation to at least learn one thing from Nehemiah – how to build together.
We Do Not Have an Eternity to Build
“Building is not only done by persons constructing a road (for example). We all are building and for that reason, building may look different for each person,” stated Bishop Massiah. However, he cautioned that we do not have an eternity to build since we can be called home at any time and if that happens, then someone has to take up the mantle.
Disunity in the Midst of Cooperation
In Nehemiah 3:5, we learnt that in the midst of the cooperation, there were some elements of division. Bishop urged the congregation not to be distracted by people who are unwilling to do the work. He also warned that we should not be surprised when someone within the family is not in agreement with a decision. Nevertheless he emphasised that though there may be a group that will not cooperate fully, this must not stop the programme; the work must still be done.
Anyone Can Build
Within the co-operative there were different families, each of which had a leader, as they were rebuilding the wall. Bishop Massiah, reflecting on the account, expressed that they did not take resources from the central pool but understood that in order to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, every man, woman and child needed to make their own contribution. We also see from the account that the families that helped to rebuild the wall were highly skilled persons from varying professions. Bishop Massiah used this analogy to show that there is nothing ordinary about those who serve in the kingdom but rather extraordinary. This means that we all need to be involved in the building process regardless of our position or skillset. Further, he stated that when we begin to build it is not just for the mason or carpenters to do the work, but stressed that this story is a template for the involvement of everyone.
In God’s Presence There is No Place for Discrimination
In verse 12 of Chapter 3 Bishop Massiah highlighted Shallum, son of Hallohesh who repaired another section of the wall. What was remarkable about this verse was that Shallum’s daughters were equally involved in the rebuilding of the wall. This, he posited, showed that in the presence of God there is no place for discrimination. The Bishop expressed that some of the greatest supporters and leaders in the Ministry are women and he thanked God for those women.
Let Us Build Together
Bishop Massiah pointed out that throughout Nehemiah chapter 3 each verse contained the words ‘and next to him’, highlighting that each unit was building next to each other. He stressed that we need to learn to build next to each other; noting that this project (the rebuilding of the wall of Jerusalem) was completed but it was not Nehemiah’s task alone. It was a collective effort. Bishop Massiah urged the congregation to hold each other’s hand in their family, community, workplace and to find someone or a group of people with whom they can build. The Bishop revealed that he prays that God will bring us as a nation to a place of cooperation as in this account. He is encouraged that notwithstanding the kinds of opposition, resistance and challenges Nehemiah experienced, they completed the project and he holds fast that Guyana’s projects will be completed and all of us will come together and what is ours will be ours and it will trickle down to our people.
In closing Bishop Massiah stated:
“The walls were rebuilt and security was replaced. I pray by the grace of God that when we look at each other, we will not judge each other based on our profession or status but we will understand that God has given us an opportunity. Let us repair the breaches wherever we find them; in our family, community and by the grace of God let us use this model to repair and to live next to, in harmony and in peace.”
As you continue to fast, be encouraged to use a framework like Nehemiah, who continued to build regardless of opposition. Let us work together as we build our families, communities and nations.
