The Courageous Choice
of the missionary
Scripture Reading: Nehemiah 11
If you read Nehemiah 11 you get the impression that living in Jerusalem at that time in history was not the safest choice. You would be right to think that. The enemies of the Jewish people were hatching a hundred plots to undermine and destroy their plans to rebuild the city. Not only was living in Jerusalem a security risk, but it was also not the best business decision. At that time, the economy was primarily agriculturally driven. The returning exiles predominately desired the smaller villages and towns where land was plentiful and fertile. Living in the city limited what you were able to produce and, therefore, how you were able to prosper.
Therefore, while there were a large number of returning exiles, a small number of them returned to the city of Jerusalem. This was recognized for the problem it was, and a lottery system was established that would choose ten percent of the population to reside in Jerusalem.
There were some, though, who volunteered. The courage and self-sacrifice of such a decision were recognized by everyone. That is why in 11:2 we are told that “the people blessed all the men who willingly offered to live in Jerusalem.”
I’m writing this on a Monday morning. Monday is the day I pray for missionaries I know. This text reminded me that we should bless all these people who volunteered to go, often to places where they aren’t as secure as they would be in their home country. Most of them also go knowing that that decision won’t result in the kind of material prosperity they might enjoy if they stayed. They go, leaving behind family and friends, and the comforts of the culture and lifestyle they are familiar with. They go out of a love for Christ and a belief in the gospel and a heart for the people they will serve.
Not everyone is called to go. But we can all lift our prayers to God for them. We can call on the Lord to rain down His great blessings on them, their families, and the ministries to which they have been called.
