Mustard Seed Thoughts #2

The book of Nehemiah Chapter 8 presents one of the most interesting approaches to success. Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem on a secret and urgent mission to rebuild the walls that were destroyed. He was so devastated with the news about the plight of the Jews when he heard the report. He had to restore the dignity and pride of his people- also the testimony of God among the nations. He had to do something. This speaks to me of rebuilding what has been ‘destroyed’.

As I have met and approached various ones to come and join hands with us to build Mustard Seed, my message has been ‘Let us build our dream church: something that we know is missing or destroyed. We are tired of playing church and doing the same things over and over again. This is nightmare. ‘ Honestly, if we want to see change, we have to change and be the change agent. That was Nehemiah’s conviction. He could not sit around doing nothing and hoped that someone else did the work instead !

What amazes me is the leadership style of this man. He shared the vision and got everyone to work towards it. It was not for his ego trip but for the great name of the Lord. The difference with normal and anointed leadership is the dependence of the Lord and His Word. The way he managed to promote 1Israel (1Malaysia) was through the word. Ch8 begins by ‘ all the people gathered as one man in the open square…’ then ‘they told Ezra to bring the Book of Law and to read it’. The only way to accomplish great feats for God is not based on human strategies alone but also on God’s Word. This is inspiration (the Holy Spirit).

The people were attentive (v3) Notice when the word was opened (v5) the people stood up in respect. Ezra blessed the Lord and the people responded with ‘amen’ and they worshipped with their faces to the ground. What a tremendous respect for the Word of God. We need to pay attention to God’s word to guarantee our success. When the word becomes real to us and as we live according to it, we will rejoice (v9) They wept when they heard the word. The command was ‘do not weep.’ I believe there is ensured victory when we know that God’s word will not fail us. Our battles are going to be won and we should rejoice instead of being sorrowful. As they faced tremendous challenges and pressures, the Lord would come through…..so rejoice. ‘For the joy of the Lord is your strength’. (v10)

Are you facing challenges? Difficulties? Struggles? Depend on the Word and rejoice! Yes….laugh about it, take it easy and see…the hand of the Lord. He will come through. You have ‘His Word’ for it. The end of the story was ‘the people went away and rejoiced greatly because they understood the words that were declared to them’. (v12) There was a release. Let go and let God do the rest. In the building of our church, if we want to see things happen….let go, depend on the Word of God and let God take control…Meanwhile, we rejoice. That is how we see our church being built differently. Be as one (unity)….come and hear His Word, stand on it and rejoice! Then, get ready…. to see miracles and the surprises God will bring. See Him build His church!