Draft or Volunteer

Nehemiah 11

Believe it or not, I found this poster after I titled this devotion. I think that is pretty cool. Especially since that is exactly what chapter 11 is all about.

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And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts to dwell in other cities. 2 And the people blessed all the men, that willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem.

Nehemiah 11:1-2

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Many people had returned to Israel from Persian captivity with Ezra. I read a commentary that said it was above 42,000 people. During this time, the rebuilt the Temple in Jerusalem. However, because of harassment, they quit the project. Eighteen years after Ezra's return migration, Nehemiah received authorization to rebuild the walls. So, what did they do for all those years in between? They lived. That meant farming, herding animals, and all the other necessary business to survive.

When Nehemiah came on the scene and told of his authorization to rebuild the walls, they left their homes for the building project. When the walls were complete, they went back home. However, there is no need for a city if there are no residents. Apparently, after the Temple was built, there was so much pressure from their enemies that everyone moved out of town. This would not work though. There had to be people living in the city to get it thriving again.

The solution that the leaders came up with was a draft. They would cast lots (we might think of it as drawing straws) and whoever came up short would move. Essentially, they were going to institute a draft to populate the city. Can you imagine that? But the, that is about what it would take to get me to move to any capital city.

When they met for the draft though, something amazing happened. People started volunteering to move without pressure or coercion. There was no need to institute the draft because enough volunteers stepped forward. Volunteers are so much better than volun-tolds.

This is for you Jason Bartlett!

Verse 2 tells us that the people blessed those who willingly volunteered. Volunteers are appreciated because they do the jobs that other do not readily want to do. It is an act of sacrifice and service. Most volunteers do so out of a sense of duty. It is who God made them to be.

Think about it. These people did not move to Jerusalem because of the hopping night life. There were no trendy restaurants. There wasn't a fashion district. They were going to establish retail and infrastructure. They were leading the way for others to follow. They were also leaving behind what they had spent years building; and they did so willingly.

That is how God wants us to be. He wants us to be willing to go when he needs people to go. He wants us to be willing to do when he needs people to do. He wants willing volunteers to help build his kingdom. He wants willing people to sacrifice of themselves to populate his city. There is no compulsion or draft.

Jesus said "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it" (Matthew 16:25). The people in our text were willing to lose the life they had built to populate the city of Jerusalem. While others were holding on, trying to save their accomplishments, some gave it all up. For that, they were blessed.

I don't want to over spiritualize this. However, I think there is a good parallel between what these people did and what we are called to do. I am reminded of the call of Isaiah.

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Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.

Isaiah 6:8

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These people heard the call, "Who will go for us?" and they answered "Here am I; send me!"

Father help me to have a heart that is drawn to you and your work. If you call, may I be willing to go. If you as for someone to do, may my hands be available. Father open my eyes to see, and my ears to hear, when you call goes out. Then, make my feet willing to go, and my hands willing to serve.