English 
繁體中文 
简体中文 
Rebuilding Walls and Rekindling Trust: Lessons from Jerusalem and Family
I, Nehemiah, could imagine that the task of rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls, a task set before us by the Lord, was no small feat. Months of sweat, calloused hands, and yes, even arguments, became our reality. Exposed and vulnerable, our city echoed with diverse opinions on how to best follow God’s will. Yet, through it all, we persevered. Families, neighbors, even those who grumbled most fiercely, came together. Brick by brick, a testament to our resilience and unwavering faith, the walls rose day by day.
But amidst the rising walls, a deeper truth struck me. Within my own family, walls of a different kind needed rebuilding – walls of trust. Consumed by the grand vision of Jerusalem’s restoration, a beacon of faith once more, I nearly neglected the most important gatekeepers of my own life – my family.
Then came the moment of entrusting the city’s keys to my brother, Hanani. (Nehemiah 7:2) A good man, a God-fearing man, he was someone I could trust with the safety of our people. Yet, the act of trust wasn’t without its struggles. A part of me, perhaps fueled by pride, yearned for complete control.
But then, the image of the rising walls offered a powerful reminder. We built them together, families and neighbors, rulers and priests, united in faith. And what held those bricks strong? Trust, the very mortar that bound them. The wisdom of Ecclesiastes 4:9 resonated deeply: “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.”
And the city thrived (Nehemiah 8:10-12;17). Hanani, proving himself worthy, kept a watchful eye and ensured security. All the while, my family felt valued. Witnessing my trust in my brother, a ripple effect of trust flowed throughout our family and faith in God.
This experience served as a powerful lesson. A healthy family, like a well-defended city, needs strong walls – walls built with open communication, respect, and most importantly, trust in God and in one another. The story of Joseph and his brothers in Genesis offers another poignant reminder (Genesis 45). Once filled with envy, his brothers sold him into slavery. Yet, through forgiveness and reconciliation, their family ultimately found harmony, a testament to the power of restored trust.
May we all learn from these lessons. May we strive to build strong walls within our families, for a strong family is a foundation blessed by the Lord. Let us walk in faith, hand in hand, just as we rebuilt Jerusalem’s walls, brick by trusting brick.
We warmly invite you to come to the True Jesus Church’s bi-annual Evangelical Service and Spiritual Convocation. See details below.
18-21 April, 2024 Evangelical Service and Spiritual Convocation
Thursday, 18 April, 2024 6:50PM to 8:10PM
Friday and Saturday, 19-20 April, 2024 9:00AM to 8:10PM
Sunday, 21 April, 2024 9:00AM to 1:00PM
Complimentary lunch and dinner will be served.
Please find our church location below:
4N550 Church Road
Bensenville, IL 60106
Google Maps
For online streaming, please click here.
For regular service hours, please click here.
Email us at ilovejesus@tjc-chicago.org