Tuesday - Faithful to Be Present

Nehemiah 11:1
“And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts to dwell in other cities.”

The wall was finished. But Jerusalem still had a problem. The city had protection. The city had leadership. The city had worship. But the city still needed people. Back in chapter 7 we find out that the city was large, but the people inside it were few.

That’s important to notice. Rebuilding the walls was only part of rebuilding Jerusalem. A city is more than walls. A church is more than a building. A ministry is more than a name. It takes people who are willing to be present.

So God had one out of every ten families move inside the city. That might not sound like much, but for some of them it was a real sacrifice. They had to leave their homes. They had to leave their land. They had to leave the comfort of what they knew. This was an inconvenience. But for Jerusalem to become what God intended, it needed people who showed up.

That’s where faithfulness begins. Not with something big or impressive. It begins by showing up. It begins by being available.

My father-in-law used to say the greatest ministry is the ministry of presence, just being there. That’s still true today. Being present when it would be easier to stay home. Filling a need without being asked. Staying committed when it becomes inconvenient. That’s one of the most encouraging things you can do for your church and your pastor.

Hebrews 10:25 tells us, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Even in the New Testament, God’s people were tempted to drift away from gathering together. But notice the writer doesn’t just say don’t miss church. He says we’re to exhort one another. Presence isn’t only about you showing up for yourself. It’s about someone else needing you to show up for them.

You can have the greatest building, the best music, and the best preaching in town. But without people who are simply, faithfully present, none of it matters.

 
LET ME ASK YOU
Is there somewhere God is simply asking you to show up this week? Not to lead, not to perform, just to be present for someone who needs you there.