Nehemiah chapter 3 verse 5 (NIV)
The next section was repaired by the men of Tekoa, but their nobles would not put their shoulders to the work under their supervisors.
Nehemiah chapter 3 verse 12 (NIV)
Shallum son of Hallohesh, ruler of a half-district of Jerusalem, repaired the next section with the help of his daughters.
Philippians chapter 2: verses 6-9 (NIV)
Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
The two instances in Nehemiah stuck out to me this Christmas. The Nobles of Tekoa would not humble themselves and come under the authority of those appointed to be their supervisors. Perhaps they thought that such work was beneath them. In contrast, Shallum set to his allotted task with the help of his daughters.
That got me thinking about our attitude when we have to undertake an important task, even if its something we find difficult. We should never think anything is beneath us, after all Jesus put aside His Glory and position and, on this day, we remember that He came in the humblest of circumstances so that we become children of God. He did not shirk the calling or think it to be beneath Him. Indeed, we are also told that for the joy that was set before Him, He endured the cross. (Hebrews Chapter 12: verse 2) In thanks for all that Jesus has done for us, we too must be as willing as Shallum’s daughters to serve with joy, just as Jesus did for us.
Dear LORD,
Thank You that You did not consider the stable in Bethlehem beneath You for my sake. Keep my heart soft and ready to set to, with gladness in the tasks You have for me. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.