Large and Spacious

Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Nehemiah 7
NT: Luke 7
W&W: Psalm 47


Today’s Reflection:

The following statements in today’s Old Testament and Wisdom and Worship readings stirred my soul:

• Now the city was large and spacious, but there were few people in it, and the houses had not yet been rebuilt. So my God put it into my heart… (Nehemiah 7.4-5a).
• The nobles of the nations assemble as the people of the God of Abraham, for the kings of the earth belong to God; he is highly exalted (Psalm 47.9).

Seeing the size of the city stirred Nehemiah. God was working in his heart, saying, “This city needs people! Their houses (families) need rebuilt!”

May God take me – take you – to a place “large and spacious” with room to gather and grow the family of God. Of course, I am praying that he do that for me in a very real way geographically, calling me to a place to serve. But, may he take each of us to a “large and spacious” place – emotionally, mentally, spiritually – where we have room in our hearts and thinking and faith to build up the community of God’s people.

In the Psalm, we read that God is calling “the nobles of the nations” to assemble as his people, as the people of Abraham, the people of faith. Those on the “outside” need to come in. They belong on the “inside.” They are nobles, and it is not fitting that nobles remain outside when the royal family is within praising the King.

Isn’t that exciting? God sees the “lost” as royal rulers! He saw me that way. He sees those in my “new community” that way. He is telling me – telling us – “Bring in my sons and daughters of royal blood. Do not let them perish alone and rejected.”

God help us to see the sons and daughters of the kingdom who are on the outside and then to bring them into the city. May God put it in our hearts to bring them in to grow and rebuild their houses. Then, as we gather them, may he build them as “living stones” into a spiritual house (1 Peter 2.5).


This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Isaiah 53.4-5: Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.