I am recalling a particular elder’s session meeting as the discussion was aimed at whether or not the Loudon Cumberland Presbyterian Church should undertake the building of the new addition to the education building.  Coming on the heels of an economic crash, indications were this was not the optimum time to pursue such a grand project.  However, the body of elders believed that it was the best opportunity if we would get ourselves out of the way and see what God would do.  It was only after our congregation committed financial resources that the appointed funds were let loose at the appointed time.  These funds were not available until we were faithful to His calling.

Our LORD is continually encouraging us in scripture to remember His mighty acts of deliverance.  He calls us to remember His faithfulness to us.  Just as the children of Israel were sure they were doomed to a watery grave, they “went through the sea on dry ground with a wall of water on their right and on their left…the people feared the Lord and put their trust in Him” (Exodus 14:29-31).  Following, they sang a great song of praise.  Fear is a detriment to moving forward but if we heed Moses’ counsel, “Do not be afraid, stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today…the LORD will fight for you” (Exodus 14:13).

Joshua, Moses’ successor, had the same encouragement for his flock.  “Consecrated yourselves for tomorrow the LORD will do amazing things among you (Joshua 3:5).  Yes, amazingly, again “the water upstream stopped flowing and piled up in a heap a great distance away” during the harvest season, a time when the Jordan was already at flood stage (v.16).  Yet the Israelites crossed over safely on dry ground and took 12 stones from the middle of the Jordan River to serve as a sign.  When asked by their children, “What do these stones mean?”, they were to say the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD and “these stones are a memorial forever.” (Joshua 4:6-7).

Our LORD Jesus also asked His disciples to recall the great moments of His ministry.  “Don’t you remember the five loaves for the five thousand and how many baskets you gathered?”  In the event these disciples missed the significance of the “early” dinner seating, Jesus performed this miracle a second time and included this event in the same line of questioning…”or the seven loaves for the four thousand and how many basketfuls you gathered?” (Matthew16:9-10).  Jesus is insistent on their remembering these events as if to say “Hey, I know you remember  because you were there and you saw”!  On both occasions, “they all ate and were satisfied” (Matthew14:20, 15:37).  To be sure, He wanted them to remember the deliverance He provided.

God knew we would forget.  This is why the command for memorials and feasts be remembered and celebrated.  “This is a day you are to commemorate; for the generations to come you shall celebrate it as a festival to the LORD- a lasting ordinance” (Exodus 12:14). In our own efforts, we remember those who came before us and were the excellent kingdom stewards of our sanctuary.  This generation now becomes Joshua to the previous generation’s Moses.  It is time to set up the generations to come for success by completing the good work of the sanctuary building project.  You remember how the LORD our God has guided us through uncertainty and delivered us. Let us cross the river together.

If we are to be kingdom stewards, Nehemiah is our example to pattern our vision.After two previous returns to Jerusalem in which the Babylonian exiles had rebuilt the temple, Nehemiah returned with the third group to rebuild the city walls which were broken down and in shambles and the people were in great trouble and disgrace.  As cupbearer in the Persian royal palace, Nehemiah was daily in  the king presence. Permission was granted for a return to his homeland.God had put the desire in his heart to rebuild these walls and gave the vision to complete the work. Nehemiah responded to problems with prayer.  On hearing of the condition in Jerusalem he immediately cried out in prayer to the God of heaven.  What was his prayer?  Boldly, Nehemiah requests that God “remember the instruction you gave to your servant Moses” regarding the exiles repentance and ultimate return from captivity (Nehemiah 1:8-9).  The need is recognized, followed by deep prayer to guide the preparation.  No less than seven times does Nehemiah take pause to use prayer to complete the work.  Although His calling was ordained by God it was not without trial.  Moreover, he was faced with scorn, slander, he was mocked, threatened, insulted, ridiculed and sabotaged, as well as the fear and discouragement from those who worked at his side.  However, his planning was resolute…PRAYER, PRAYER, PRAYER.  Nehemiah stood firm and the wall was completed in 52 days!

When enemies of Israel heard the wall was complete and not a gap was left in it, they schemed to harm Nehemiah.  He had a message for them.  “I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down.  Why should the work stop…?” (Nehemiah 6:3)  My friends, this is the attitude we must have in order to complete the work we have begun.

We should ask “does God have a vision for us?  Are there walls to rebuild?  What will Loudon Cumberland look like in fifty years?  Recognize, pray, act.  Make no mistake, There are difficulties that overwhelm the effort, mockers to answer, threats to defeat.  There are no victories without troubles and problems and when they arise, we are to persevere and press on! “In this world you shall have tribulation.  But be of good cheer!  I have overcome the world!” (John 16:33).  How much sweeter the triumph when innumerable obstacles are overcome.  Like Nehemiah, proclaim “I am doing a great work and cannot come down.  Why should the work stop?”