“When the Lord brought back the captivity of Zion, we were like those who dream.
2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing.
Then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.”
3 The Lord has done great things for us, and we are glad.
4 Bring back our captivity, O Lord, as the streams in the South.
5 Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy.
6 He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” Psalm 126 NKJV
“The other thanksgiving choir went the opposite way, and I was behind them with half of the people on the wall, going past the Tower of the Ovens as far as the Broad Wall, 39 and above the Gate of Ephraim, above the Old Gate, above the Fish Gate, the Tower of Hananel, the Tower of the Hundred, as far as the Sheep Gate; and they stopped by the Gate of the Prison. So the two thanksgiving choirs stood in the house of God, likewise I and the half of the rulers with me; 41 and the priests, Eliakim, Maaseiah, Minjamin, Michaiah, Elioenai, Zechariah, and Hananiah, with trumpets; 42 also Maaseiah, Shemaiah, Eleazar, Uzzi, Jehohanan, Malchijah, Elam, and Ezer. The singers sang loudly with Jezrahiah the director.” Nehemiah 12:38-42 NKJV
Lord God of freedom,
This song of ascents, Psalm 126, really does say what they must have felt when they saw the rebuilt Temple and walls. And knowing they were now free to live there and not Babylon or foreign lands. But it also includes a prayer that God will not forget them but do more. They are not completely free of the rule of Babylon and they still have to reclaim the land for agriculture and manage their livestock and trade for the things they need and do not have. So many thousands of people returning need regular provisions. But what a song this would have been for the left hand side choir to sing. And even when the two choirs united! Nehemiah and Ezra meeting and combining.The spiritual leader and the organisational leader meeting together. What a brilliant mix. Not forgetting the choir members, and all those who actually did the building work and sentry duty!
You took this team work skills further in the church when You appointed some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up. (Ephesians 4:11). Gifts of leadership were to benefit others, without who, the church would not exist. It takes everyone together to build the Kingdom of God and Jesus made it clear that servanthood is the highest calling – one He lived out (John 13:12-17). Whatever I do help me see how it benefits others or show me the error of my ways.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Thursday 24th September 2026
From Heaven, You came helpless babe
Entered our world, your glory veiled
Not to be served but to serve
And give Your life that we might live
This is our God, The Servant King
He calls us now to follow Him
To bring our lives as a daily offering
Of worship to The Servant King
There in the garden of tears
My heavy load he chose to bear
His heart with sorrow was torn
“Yet not My will but Yours”, He said
Chorus . . .
Come see His hands and His feet
The scars that speak of sacrifice
Hands that flung stars into space
To cruel nails surrendered
Chorus . . .
So let us learn how to serve
And in our lives enthrone Him
Each other’s needs to prefer
For it is Christ we’re serving
Chorus . . .
Lyrics: Graham Kendrick.