“You yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a Holy Priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 2:5
The sound of crashing buildings with bricks toppled one on top of the other, in a demolition awakened me from my evening nap. As I watched the news, neighborhoods were having old abandoned buildings torn down to prevent gang and drug activity in their area. The overwhelming support for the neighborhood brought some residents to tears. They long awaited for that day to arrive. What happened? What brought this neighborhood to its current state? As I looked around and observed the vandalism and abandoned buildings, I imagined the previous residents who perhaps occupied those homes at one time. Surely, there were working and thriving families just like the ones we see today.
The need to rebuild I’ve found comes in many different forms. Whether it’s a run-down neighborhood, a decline in one’s health, an unfaithful spouse, the loss of a loved one, or an addict hiding in shame from addiction. Perhaps you’re reeling over the lost years in a marriage that didn’t last or maybe even a dead-end job. The need to rebuild comes at us in many different directions. We must assess our damages, survey our losses, and see if anything can be salvaged. No matter what has led to this moment, God’s word sheds some light on why it’s important to rebuild in Nehemiah 1:3 “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.” A city with broken walls revealed a defeated people. The returning Jews were not only humiliated but forced to live in unsafe conditions without protection.
In Nehemiah 2:17, He spoke with the Jewish leaders “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.” When the enemy attacks our lives and brings destruction, shame, and disgrace God always has a plan of restoration for His children. When the wall of Jerusalem was rebuilt this sent a message to their enemies that God’s blessings were once again with them. This is how God also reminds us of His faithfulness “If you return and obey my commands, then even the exiled people from the farthest horizon, I’ll gather them from there and bring them to a place I have chosen as a dwelling for my name.” Nehemiah 1:9.
When life for us has unraveled and we are left to pick up the pieces, whether by our own sin, disobedience, or someone else’s, our loving God wants to restore us! When we genuinely confess our sins and repent “Instead of your shame there shall be a double portion; instead of dishonor they shall rejoice in their lot; therefore in their land they shall possess a double portion; they shall have everlasting joy! Isaiah 61:7.