Rise up and build (Nehemiah 2:18): Meaning, Reflection and Prayer

What does “Rise up and build” mean in Nehemiah 2:18?

Nehemiah had come to rebuild the broken walls of Jerusalem. After he shared how God had guided him, the people responded with agreement and strengthened their hands for the work.

Going deeper

Nehemiah was a cupbearer to a king, far from home, when he heard that Jerusalem's walls lay in ruins. He prayed, planned, and asked for permission to go. When he arrived, he told the people how the hand of God had been good upon him. They said, let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work. Notice that vision, prayer, and shared action came together.

Every community has walls that need rebuilding, whether they are literal or not: a neglected park, a struggling school, a weakened relationship, a needy family. Rebuilding usually starts when someone shares what God has put on their heart and others say yes. Is there something you could help to rebuild? Consider what God may be asking of you and who might join you. Rise up, strengthen your hands, and begin with one small stone. Start where you are, with what you have.