TODAY’S SPECIAL: Nehemiah 4:16-23
TO CHEW ON: "From that day on, half of my men did the work, while the other half were equipped with spears, shields, bows and armor. The officials posted themselves behind all the people of Judah who were building the wall." Nehemiah 4:16
The threats against the workers were real. But still Nehemiah didn’t stop work on the wall. “Now we really need to work together,” he told the people.
He organized workers in shifts. While one half worked on construction, the other half stood guard. Because everyone was spread out on the wall, he made an alarm system. When people heard a trumpet blast, they should all go to where the trumpet was.
The way Nehemiah organized the people to stay safe while they worked is a great example of teamwork. We too can get more done when we work as a team. If you are part of a sports team, you know how important it is for each person to play their position and do their part. The same is true in the things we do for God.
Perhaps you’re part of a your church’s youth group. Your goal is to invite your friends to hang out and hear about Jesus. Your group needs to do many jobs to make this happen. If you’re good at making friends, you could be the one to invite kids to come. Maybe you’re a super game organizer. You could volunteer to do that part of the job. Or maybe you’re quiet and shy, but know how to make really great snacks. Then you could be the one to bring the food. When we work as a team, with each one doing a part, we can get big jobs done.
PRAYER: Dear God, please help me to play my position on Your team. Amen.
MORE: Part of the Team
1. What is your favorite team sport?
2. What are some positions in this sport (for example, in baseball, positions would be pitcher, catcher, first baseman etc.)?
3. If you play this sport, what position do you play? What makes you good at it?
4. Why does your team need a player in every position to help you win?