Nehemiah 3:5 - Homiletics

Indifference in high places.

"But their nobles put not their necks to the work of their Lord. Nehemiah, or other human ruler, is supposed by some to be meant by "their Lord." Better, as our translators evidently understood it, "God." The word translated "work" means the work of a servant == "service."

I. THE WORK OF THE CHURCH IS THE LORD 'S SERVICE . All work is to be so regarded, and cannot be done rightly otherwise. But the work of the Church is emphatically the service of God; whether the directly spiritual (evangelisation, instruction of Christians and their children), or the provision and maintenance of whatever is needful for it (ministers, teachers, buildings, etc.), or charitable aid to the poor.

1. God has redeemed and constituted his Church for these very ends. "Ye are not your own, for ye are bought with a price," etc. ( 1 Corinthians 6:20 ).

2. He has committed the work to his people.

3. He has given them directions for its fulfilment.

4. Hence loyalty to him requires them to do it. And only those who have faith and love towards him can do it truly and acceptably. We may judge of any work by this test: Can it be described as "the service of the Lord"? Much which goes by that name is misnamed, either because it is not of his appointment, or is not done in the spirit of love and obedience to him.

II. This service CALLS FOR STRENUOUS EXERTION . Like that of draught-oxen "putting their necks" to their work. The Christian's work is worthy of earnest effort, and cannot be well done without it. His "Lord" has a right to expect it.

III. SOME WHO PROFESS TO BE SERVANTS OF GOD DECLINE THIS PART OF HIS SERVICE . Even amid general enthusiasm they remain unmoved.

1. The causes of their refusal. May be a total want of the piety they profess; or the dominance of indifference, selfishness, indolence, or pride (towards God, or those who would be their fellow-labourers).

2. Its guilt. To refuse to take part in a common work is

3. Its consequences. Loss of great honour and blessing, now and hereafter. Punishment for unfaithfulness ( Matthew 25:26-30 ).

IV. SUCH NEGLECT IS OFTEN FOUND AMONGST THOSE WHO SHOULD BE LEADERS OF OTHERS . "The nobles." The higher and richer classes have special gifts for the service of the Lord; but also special temptations to neglect it, from their position, education, habits of luxury and self-indulgence, sense of superiority, etc.; and too often they succumb to such temptations. They are reminded here that, however exalted they may be above their fellow-men, God is "their Lord," their Owner and Master, and has a right to their service equally with that of their social inferiors. The example of these should stimulate them. And great as their earthly dignity may be, it is not comparable to the honour of being humble and devoted servants of God.

V. PIOUS ZEAL AND LABOUR ON THE PART OF THE COMMON PEOPLE IS THE MORE COMMENDABLE WHEN THEY ARE DEPRIVED OF THE CO - OPERATION OF THEIR NATURAL LEADERS . "The Tekoites," instead of imitating their nobles, repaired two lengths of the wall (see verse 27). The middle and lower classes not unfrequently outstrip in godly and benevolent works the great of the earth, and make up in a measure for their indifference. It is not well, however, to waste time in reflecting upon others. Let each consider whether he is taking his own part in works of piety and charity, according to the measure of his ability and opportunities. "Every one of us shall give account of himself to God."