Let us arise and rebuild, by Pastor Samuel Obafaiye
Text: Nehemiah 2: 12-20
God used Zerubbabel to rebuild the temple at Jerusalem, but the walls around the city were still in ruins. It was a pain in the heart of Nehemiah when he heard the news. God however made it possible for him to have permission from the king of Persia to go and rebuild Jerusalem walls. He was given money, security, and letter of introduction to the governors en-route.
After Nehemiah had rested and prayed for three nights, he went to survey the extent of the damage and the nature of the work. It was so bad that his horse could not pass at a stage.
He then called the people together to challenge their faith and made them recognise the state they were in and also encourage them with testimonies that God’s hand is in the project. A problem that had been there for 70 years.
It was quite reassuring that the people themselves told Nehemiah that they would arise and build. So that the people strengthened each other for the task.
Later, three principal enemies came up to despise, mock and threaten and fought them. But God grant Nehemiah the boldness and wisdom to confront them and prophetically address them. The walls and the gates were all completed in 52 days! Everybody took part, even the priests, the women and children.
God has earlier on used some people to start this ministry. Some have moved on in goodness. Some have left with bad memories. Some are still remaining. Thank God for hitherto He has helped us. But the work has not stopped. This year, God said, we have entered into a realm of new beginning. We that are here today are essentially to continue building from where others have stopped.
John 4:35-38
Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.
God has promised us from the inception of this work that He will bless us with money. He will be our Shield of defence. He has also promised us great recognition.
With all humility, it is not every church that is of three-four years in UK that buys their own property or operates at the level we are today. It can only be by the special hand of God.
To the glory of God, this temple is not on rent or lease, it is on purchase. In 2009, some members had to raise £1000 or more each for us to pay over £100,000 to move here. For a church of 3 years, that can only be the hand of God!
Moreso, from the inception of this church, God told us that we are going to be ‘a city set on a hill’. For a church of six adults and four children then and looking at what we are today, it can only be the hand of God still.
This is to let you know that Everlasting Father’s Assembly is certainly not a man’s project or that of the council. It is The Lord’s. I stand here today to challenge your faith to reinforce this work which some saints have begun.
There are great challenges in this land regarding the gospel. Just as the wall of Jerusalem was in physical ruins, this land is in spiritual and social ruins. God has brought us here to rebuild the city.
How reassuring it will be, if after this message, men and women; adult, youth and children will walk up to me and say, “we will arise and build” and or tell each other, “let us arise and build”.
Let us encourage ourselves and strengthen each other hands. Surely, challenges will come, the Sanballats, Tobiahs, and Geshem will try, but they can’t succeed. These are people who lived in Jerusalem, but are not Israelites. Essentially, such people will be amongst us but are not part of us.
How can you be of help to this work of rebuilding? What resource can you assist with? At the time God asked Zerubbabel to build the temple, He asked that the people should go and bring wood to rebuild, so that He can be pleased and be glorified. Do you want God to be pleased with you and be glorified in our midst? Go and bring some ‘woods’ i.e. resources or materials.
In the wilderness, God instructed Moses to tell the Israelites to build a temple for Him. As soon as Moses delivered the message, then went into action. Those with gold, garments, wood and skill did their very best.
Exodus 35:4-5
And Moses spake unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying, This is the thing which the Lord commanded, saying, Take ye from among you an offering unto the Lord:whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it, an offering of the Lord; gold, and silver, and brass,
Exodus 35:20-21
And all the congregation of the children of Israel departed from the presence of Moses. And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the Lord’s offering to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation, and for all his service, and for the holy garments.
Moses had to charge them that it is enough. I wish I can tell you same thing, but no. There is a great deal of things we still need to bring: money, talent, skill, materials, etc.
Exodus 36:6-7
And Moses gave commandment, and they caused it to be proclaimed throughout the camp, saying, Let neither man nor woman make any more work for the offering of the sanctuary. So the people were restrained from bringing. For the stuff they had was sufficient for all the work to make it, and too much.
In the last two years, some of our committed financiers in this work who were on post study work visa have had to either return to their home country or go to other regions of the world, eg. Canada or USA. Yet we have plenty people who are opportune to still be here who will not give offering talk less of pay their tithe. How I hope those group will know that they need to arise and rebuild.
Some people in that desert in the time of Moses used their special skills and talent to work for God (Ex. 35:10, 30-35) e.g. Bazaleel. What skill do you have? What is your talent? Will you use it to assist us to rebuild for God?
I have been asked by God to admonish you to arise and rebuild. In the time of Nehemiah the people arose and rebuilt. In the time of Zerubbabel, they arose and rebuilt. In the time of Moses, they arose and built. At a time, the same call to arise and rebuild Nineveh came to Jonah, but he went down to Tashishi instead and storm arose against him. In the time of us here in EFA Leeds, who will join me to arise and rebuild?
One thing is sure, I can confidently say that the God of heaven will prosper us, so we His servants must arise and rebuild. How many are ready to reinforce this work? May God empower you in Jesus name.
Prayers
Father, help us to see the areas that needs rebuilding.
Father, bless us with resources needed to reinforce your work.
Father, strengthen the hands of those that are willing to do this work of rebuilding.
Father, let your Spirit prosper the work we do for you.
Let us arise and rebuild, by Pastor Samuel Obafaiye was delivered on November 2nd 2014