Recently, while taking some time away on vacation in a spot known for tourism and leisure, we faced a few interesting challenges. We discovered many restaurants and places of entertainment, shopping, etc., had limited hours and reduced staff, and many places had locked doors and lights out with signs saying ” be back soon.” In most establishments, there were signs posted offering employment. Help wanted was the overall theme, and one sign posted summed up what I feel could be a bit of a post-pandemic perspective, it read, “Now hiring people who actually show up.” I found the truthful frustration of that post very transparent and thought it could well be a sign of the times we live in.
Over and over, proprietors apologized for long waits in line, slower service, or just plain didn’t have the help to service a busy store in the middle of a tourist town at the height of the season. One business owner shared they had new hires several times just not show up on their first day or work a few days and just stop coming! Not even resign or call to quit. They just stopped showing up! I found this surprising as gas and food prices are climbing; I would think the need for gainful employment and extra part-time work would be at an all-time high, but for many, apparently, this simply isn’t true.
You can relate if you have faced a situation depending on folks to help out and they didn’t show. I have helped folks move, and more often than not, all the people who promised to help didn’t show up. I have often laughed and discussed with others that when I get to heaven, I want to ask Jesus why he didn’t base a parable on “The Little Red Hen.” If you are unfamiliar with this childhood story, it is worth the time to look up.
When I arrived at the point in Nehemiah’s account in chapter 3, I was inspired to see the workers begin to show up. These passages name names and describe what gate or portions of the wall the workers constructed and repaired. Men and women alike came with their offspring and family members and took ownership of the task. After all, it was their city, and they and their families needed the security and safety the wall could provide. Here, I am reminded of how mighty God is when he stirs in the heart of people for one purpose and what is accomplished. The unity for the vision and the task, and everyone showed up!
I think it is important to take note that the first mentioned is the Priest Eliashib along with other priests, and they began work at the Sheep Gate. This reminds me as a spiritual leader, there is more to work than delegation. Leaders must lead by example. This gate was the place where sheep entered the city for sacrifice at the Temple. This is so fitting that the priests would be assigned this portion as a reminder that even when facing an enormous task, worship must continue to be a priority. Too often, when I get deep into a project, my devotional and prayer life often become less than what they need to be. For me to accomplish anything, if I don’t show up for worship, the work will not be rewarding because the primary motivation to do it has been lost in the process. The scriptures tell us whatever we do. to do it as unto the Lord. Any work I do, whether big or small, needs to be as an act of worship to my God, who has enabled me as much as He has called me.
Though teamwork is the overwhelming theme of chapter 3, the concept is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. Jesus promoted it among the disciples as He led them. Paul leads the New Testament churches in several places, reminding us of the importance of the whole body and the critical regard for all parts, not just one part. Ecclesiastes reminds us, “Two are better than one for their labor.” Even in Genesis 1:26, God speaks, “Let US make man in our image, after OUR likeness,” as a testimony that the entire trinity was part of the work of creation of man.
Now, to bring these ideas to the vineyard of daily life, I have to ask myself: Do I consider myself a team member, or am I always lone-wolfing it through the purpose God has chosen for me? In a different context, Am I showing up? Have I taken ownership of the task of loving others and sharing the gospel of Christ through word and deeds? Would my church testify that I am someone who showed up to support the mission it feels God has called it to? By this, I mean more than attending Sunday morning worship! Am I committed to the portion of the work God has assigned me? Am I seeking the Lord’s answer if I don’t know what or where that is?
Now in the other circle of my own life, How about relationships? Do I show up when those I love really need me? In contrast, do I allow others to show up for me when I need people, care, encouragement, prayer, or just a hug? The scriptures call us to bear each other’s burdens and to encourage one another. Often I find myself at a loss of what to say or do in the face of painful sorrow or when folks are struggling. It reminds me of a friend who is not great at expressing his feelings, rather shy and quiet, and doesn’t extend himself much, but his son was a pretty good athlete. When the son grew to be a man, his testimony of his dad was that despite his father’s busy career, travel, and their somewhat quiet relationship, at every game, he could look up to the stands with confidence because his father’s greatest deed was he always showed up. The son said, “I knew at that moment, my dad’s love as I did not know it in any other place at times. He conveyed he loved me by showing up.” This is the imitation of Christ in the quiet life of one person. Though others might be absent or excuse themselves from helping me, I am reminded that whatever the task before me, Christ always shows up, and I never work alone.
Lord, help me be a good team member. Let my spiritual report card testify that I work well with others. When I don’t, remind me that without the body working together, I miss out on the unity you designed to bless me. Even if I am fatigued or lazy and lack motivation, God give me the strength and commitment I need. In a cancel, quit without notice, help wanted world Jesus, help me show up.
Come next time where the 5 o’clock worker discovers opposition in the vineyard as the series in Nehemiah continues”Under Reconstruction”.
5oclockworker.com 