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Nehemiah 12

Good Morning “Living Stones.” Today we are in Nehemiah 12.

Nehemiah has been working in Jerusalem some 12 years now.  We’re about 400 years from the birth of Jesus.  Just a blink of an eye in Israel’s history.  This chapter covers one of the greatest moments in Israel’s history.  They culmination of their restoration.  

But first - more lists of names.  Why?  It was essential that Israel kept an accurate account of the genealogies.  Where you came from mattered.  Birthright mattered.  The Priestly line of Aaron was scrutinized to accurately identify who was able to serve and lead in the Temple and around The Great City as it pertained to priestly duties.  Of course Jesus would come from  the line of Judah,  so being able to accurately identify Him when He came was paramount.

In this chapter we see the wall and gates finished, the city is populated and the gates are all manned.  Priests are appointed to lead worship, singing at every gate.  Anyone, as they entered, was greeted with worship and praise.  

Jerusalem was open 24/7 - 365 for any who wanted to come.  
“Those who were musicians, heads of the Levite families, stayed in the rooms of the temple and were exempt from other duties because they were responsible for the work day and night.” 1 Chronicles 9:33 (NIV)

Are you catching the symbolism here?  He’s always accessible.  Imagine the echos of continual worship coming from Jerusalem day and night.  

As they dedicate The Holy City, they line the top of the city walls, with two choirs.  Worship and praise was lead by the Priests.  The entire city is surrounded with praise and rejoicing.  God didn’t just use Nehemiah to rebuild a wall, He rebuilt the people.  Each person symbolized by a stone in the wall, unified, fortified, and God glorified… YEAH!  Amen!  

We too are referred to in the same way!  Our Cornerstone Jesus.  Members of The Royal Priesthood - our echos of Praise Glorifying Him!  Check out how Peter describes it all:

“And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been rejected by men, but is choice and precious in the sight of God, you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭2‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;”
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭2‬:‭9‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

Love you all!  Dig in! Rejoice at your redemption, and reconciliation!  Praise Him!