The Blessing of Being God's People

Nehemiah 7:1-6,61-66,70-73

Nehemiah 7:1–6 (ESV)

Now when the wall had been built and I had set up the doors, and the gatekeepers, the singers, and the Levites had been appointed, I gave my brother Hanani and Hananiah the governor of the castle charge over Jerusalem, for he was a more faithful and God-fearing man than many. And I said to them, “Let not the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun is hot. And while they are still standing guard, let them shut and bar the doors. Appoint guards from among the inhabitants of Jerusalem, some at their guard posts and some in front of their own homes.” The city was wide and large, but the people within it were few, and no houses had been rebuilt.

Then my God put it into my heart to assemble the nobles and the officials and the people to be enrolled by genealogy. And I found the book of the genealogy of those who came up at the first, and I found written in it:

These were the people of the province who came up out of the captivity of those exiles whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried into exile. They returned to Jerusalem and Judah, each to his town.

Nehemiah 7:61–66 (ESV)

The following were those who came up from Tel-melah, Tel-harsha, Cherub, Addon, and Immer, but they could not prove their fathers’ houses nor their descent, whether they belonged to Israel: the sons of Delaiah, the sons of Tobiah, the sons of Nekoda, 642. Also, of the priests: the sons of Hobaiah, the sons of Hakkoz, the sons of Barzillai (who had taken a wife of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite and was called by their name). These sought their registration among those enrolled in the genealogies, but it was not found there, so they were excluded from the priesthood as unclean. The governor told them that they were not to partake of the most holy food until a priest with Urim and Thummim should arise.

The whole assembly together was 42,360,

Nehemiah 7:70–73 (ESV)

Now some of the heads of fathers’ houses gave to the work. The governor gave to the treasury 1,000 darics of gold, 50 basins, 30 priests’ garments and 500 minas of silver. And some of the heads of fathers’ houses gave into the treasury of the work 20,000 darics of gold and 2,200 minas of silver. And what the rest of the people gave was 20,000 darics of gold, 2,000 minas of silver, and 67 priests’ garments.

So the priests, the Levites, the gatekeepers, the singers, some of the people, the temple servants, and all Israel, lived in their towns.

And when the seventh month had come, the people of Israel were in their towns.

Introduction

Today, we delve into Nehemiah 7, a chapter that may seem like a long list of names and numbers at first glance, but beneath this seemingly mundane record lies a powerful message about our identity and blessing as the people of God. As we journey through this text, let us uncover the profound truth that being counted among God's people is one of the greatest blessings we can ever receive.

I don’t care what clubs you’re in, what position you hold, how important you are on you job. It doesn’t matter how much money you have or even what you have accomplished in your personal life; there is nothing more blessed than being the people of God. There is nothing more blessed than belonging to God and being His child.

DT: The people of God are blessed

Transition: Why do I say that there is no greater blessing? Well for one, the text teaches that the people of are Restored by God.

Restored by God

Nehemiah 7:5 ESV

5 Then my God put it into my heart to assemble the nobles and the officials and the people to be enrolled by genealogy. And I found the book of the genealogy of those who came up at the first, and I found written in it:

Nehemiah 7 begins with the walls of Jerusalem rebuilt, but the city still needed to be repopulated. This chapter records the names of those who returned from exile, showing God's faithfulness in restoring His people. God is placing them back in their rightful place. Their rightful place is in the city of Jerusalem the city built on a hill dedicated to the presence and divine sovereignty of God. This is a joyous time but also a time of reflection. Joyous because God has renewed His covenant with them and brought them back to there home. Reflection because it is an opportunity for the people to recognize what caused the disruption to their relationship with God and how to move forward under the authority of God. They are mindful of God’s love for them and realize they matter to God.

Illustration: Think of a family reunion where every member is valued and counted. Just as each family member is essential, so are each of us in God's family.

Explanation: Being restored by God reminds us that as His people, we are chosen and loved by Him. Deuteronomy 7:6 says,

Deuteronomy 7:6 ESV

6 “For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.

Transition: As we see how God has restored His people, it’s important to also understand how He organizes and cares for each of us with meticulous attention.

Organized by God

Nehemiah 7:6–7 ESV

6 These were the people of the province who came up out of the captivity of those exiles whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried into exile. They returned to Jerusalem and Judah, each to his town. 7 They came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel:

The meticulous record-keeping and organization in Nehemiah 7 reflect God's order and care. Each name, each family, each detail is significant.

Cross-Reference: Numbers 1 – The census of Israel in the wilderness shows God's care in numbering His people.

Illustration: Imagine a builder who carefully plans every detail of a house, ensuring everything is in its rightful place. God, the master builder, does the same with His people.

Explanation: As God's people, we have a covenant relationship with Him. Exodus 19:5-6 emphasizes this:

Exodus 19:5–6 ESV

5 Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; 6 and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel.”

Transition: Understanding God’s organization helps us see how He values each of us individually. Now, let's explore the profound blessings that come from being counted among God's people.

Blessed by God

Being counted among God's people is a profound blessing. It signifies belonging, identity, and purpose. It is a reminder that we are chosen, loved, and valued by God.

Scriptural Foundation: 1 Peter 2:9

1 Peter 2:9 ESV

9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

Cross-Reference: Deuteronomy 7:6

Deuteronomy 7:6 ESV

6 “For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.

Word Study: The Hebrew word for "register" in Nehemiah 7:5 is יָחַשׂ (yachas), meaning "to reckon genealogically." This word emphasizes the importance of lineage and being counted among God's people.

Illustration: Reflect on the joy of being part of a prestigious organization or family. How much more significant is it to be part of God's family?

Explanation: As God's people, we have a distinct identity and purpose. 1 Peter 2:9 declares this clearly:

1 Peter 2:9 ESV

9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

Applications:

1. Understand the significance of being God's people. Embrace your identity as His chosen ones.

Explanation: We are called to live in a way that reflects God's character and glory, serving as a testimony to others about God's greatness and goodness.

2. Reflect God's love and order in our daily lives. Let our actions demonstrate that we belong to Him.

Explanation: As a community, we should be united in faith and purpose. Ephesians 2:19-22 reminds us that we are "fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household."

Ephesians 2:19–22 ESV

So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

3. Just as Nehemiah organized and supported his community, we must foster unity and care within our church.

Explanation: Together, we form a spiritual house where God dwells by His Spirit, and we are called to be witnesses of God's love and salvation through Jesus Christ.

Engagement Techniques:

How does it feel to know you are counted among God’s people? Reflect on this blessing.

What can we do to live out our identity as God's chosen people daily?

Conclusion:

As we conclude, let us remember that being the people of God is a profound blessing. It is an identity that comes with great privilege and responsibility. Let us embrace this identity, live out its implications, and continually point others to the source of our blessing—Jesus Christ.

Strong Close:

Church, we are blessed to be the people of God. This is not just a status; it is our identity, our purpose, our calling. As we stand here today, let us commit to living out this blessing with faith, commitment, and unity. Let us proclaim the love and grace of Jesus, who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. Hallelujah! Amen!