True Authentic Intimacy with the Lord takes Effort not Work!

True Authentic Intimacy with the Lord takes Effort not Work!
(Nehemiah 3)
Rev. Mark Kosko

 I. The Israelites returned from exile and worked diligently to rebuild the Temple Gates
They worked to restore the Temple just as God prophesied during their exile
Generations of Sons and Fathers worked together in the re-building
Even the Priests worked! Everyone had a sense of ownership.

 II. God Desired to be Worshipped back then in a very Strict and Demanding Way
God was present only to high priests in the inner sanctum of the Temple
Righteousness with God meant obedience to his Law- blessings for obedience, curse for disobedience
In Christ our Faith alone is enough

 III. God still desires that relationship with us
We don’t have to “work” for it but we must still seek Him out
Serving in ministry as a substitute for true authentic intimacy with God won’t sustain itself
Allowing oneself to be open and vulnerable to God (and others) is difficult but well-worth it.

 IV. Reflection Question:
For those of you serving in ministry (deacons, elders, oikos leaders, teachers etc) at this church, is it still a privilege to serve? Or has your relationship with the Lord (and others) suffered or been neglected? If so, does this mean our external circumstances must change or should our inward perspective towards serving the Lord be reconsidered?