Friday, November 07, 2008

Day 50: Above and beyond

And the rulers of the people dwelled at Jerusalem. The rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of every ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts to dwell in other cities. And the people blessed all the men who willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem. (Neh. 11:1-2)

Those who have a heart to partner with God sometimes have to go “above and beyond” to see the dreams he gives us become a reality. We might think that living in Jerusalem would be viewed as a great honor... but this wasn’t the case – the city was only one step removed from being a mess! In fact, they cast lots not to see who got to live there, but to see who had to live there!

So, while the leaders were certainly setting a good example by moving to Jerusalem, the people gave special praise and blessing to a certain corps of men who decided to uproot themselves from their normal comforts and voluntarily move to their dilapidated capital – a city over which God had spoken so much but which was still very much a “work in progress!”

Lord, give us hearts to partner with You even when it may mean going beyond what others might see as a sacrifice!

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