Pastor's Perspective: "A Faithful Man"

Dear Church Family,

This Sunday, Robert Harper will be preaching from Nehemiah 7. The wall surrounding Jerusalem is finished—now what? Nehemiah established security, worship, and leadership.

The wall was built for protection and to allow the core Jewish community to exist and thrive. Jerusalem was God’s city, and the Jews were entrusted as its caretakers and stewards. Nehemiah appointed gatekeepers to guard and oversee it.

The second thing we see in 7:1 is worship—singers and spiritual leaders were appointed. In chapters 8 and 9, we’ll look more closely at the revival that followed.

Third, Nehemiah established civil leadership. He appointed his brother Hanani as commander of the fortress, placing him in charge of Jerusalem. Why was Hanani chosen? Because he was a faithful man who feared God more than most.

God desires to raise up another generation of leaders in our day as well. The Apostle Paul emphasized that faithfulness is foundational to leadership in both of his pastoral letters to Timothy. In 1 Timothy 1:12, Paul states that God called him because He found him to be faithful. And in 2 Timothy 2:2, Paul instructs Timothy to appoint leaders who have proven themselves faithful.

Many gifted individuals remain on the sidelines today because they haven’t demonstrated dependability. Put yourself in the middle of God’s work, and you will be used mightily by Him. If you are faithful in little, God will give you greater opportunities and open more doors for service and blessing.

Are you faithful with the task at hand? Do you show up regularly—early and prepared to serve? Do you fear God more than many?

We are on the cusp of a spiritual awakening. Prepare your heart, mind, and body for service to the Lord. Devote yourself to be faithful, faithful, faithful. Steward well what’s in your hand today—our future depends on it.

As we move through the summer season, students and staff from Longwood and Hampden-Sydney will soon return. May God open the door for ministry once again. Are you ready?

Much love to all—see you on Sunday!

Pastor Marv