March 20

Nehemiah 4:17‑18
“They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand hold a weapon. For the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and so builded. And he that sounded the trumpet was by me”— Neh. 4:17, 1817They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon. 18For the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and so builded. And he that sounded the trumpet was by me. (Nehemiah 4:17‑18).
THE story of the building up again of Jerusalem’s ruined wall, as told in the book of Nehemiah, is most interesting and suggestive. A wall speaks of separation and also of security. God’s children need to be walled in from the world if they would enjoy fellowship with their Lord and with one another. But the maintaining of this means activity in service and watchfulness against the enemy. Into all of our hands God puts the trowel for service and the sword for conflict. Then we need to be ever on the alert listening for the trumpet call that so we may act consistently for God and glorify Him as we take our places on the walls of Zion.
“The Saviour bids thee watch and pray
Through life’s momentous hour.
And grants the Spirit’s quickening ray
To those who seek His power.”