The Living Link Between The Past And The Future

Nehemiah 7:39–73
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Reading a long list of difficult names like those found in this passage may seem boring to us, but we must remember that these Jews were the living link that connected the historic past with the prophetic future. These were the people who made it possible for Jesus to be born into this world.  In Jerusalem at that time, the important thing was to be a Jew and be able to prove your ancestry.

There are ten groups listed in this chapter, beginning with the leaders in verse 7, who returned with Zerubbabel. Those listed are priests (vv 39-42), Levites (v. 43), temple singers (v. 44), gatekeepers (v. 45), and various temple servants (vv 46-60).  Some of the people, including priests, could not prove their genealogies (vv 61-65). The total number of the congregation was 42,000 (v. 66). There were 245 singers who played an important role in the life of the city (v. 67). The animals are mentioned (vv. 68-69). Citizenship and leadership can make a state, but it takes worship to make the state a godly nation (vv 70-73). Some of the key lessons we can learn from this long list are:

1. That people are important to God - He could have sent a group of angels to do His work, but he used the common people.
2. That God keeps the account of His servants - He knows where we come from, what family we belong to, and how much we have done for Him.
3. That the Lord is able to keep His work going - No matter how discouraging the situation might be, God is able to accomplish His purposes if we will trust Him and do His will.
4. That we know we are in the family of God - Without legitimate genealogies, the priests could not enter the temple and minister.

Application

I want to be remembered for helping people find Christ and grow in His Word.