Nehemiah 12:44-47

44 At that time men were appointed to be in charge of the storerooms for the contributions, firstfruits and tithes. From the fields around the towns they were to bring into the storerooms the portions required by the Law for the priests and the Levites, for Judah was pleased with the ministering priests and Levites. 45 They performed the service of their God and the service of purification, as did also the musicians and gatekeepers, according to the commands of David and his son Solomon. 46 For long ago, in the days of David and Asaph, there had been directors for the musicians and for the songs of praise and thanksgiving to God. 47 So in the days of Zerubbabel and of Nehemiah, all Israel contributed the daily portions for the musicians and the gatekeepers. They also set aside the portion for the other Levites, and the Levites set aside the portion for the descendants of Aaron.

Questions to consider:

• Have you ever been involved in a demonstration of praise to God?
• How do the Israelites regard the men who minister to them?
• How do they express their regard?
• How do you express your regard for those who minister to you? Why?

Possibilities for prayer:

It’s nice to note the way in which everyone came together to support each other. Nehemiah writes that “all Israel contributed” for those who were musicians and gatekeepers. There’s a sense of unity in that, the way in which people (seemingly) happily contributed to the livelihoods of others. The people find it important to return to the way of things “long ago” and are willing to sacrifice for it, to provide for the musicians and gatekeepers, honoring them for the work that they are doing for God. Today, let’s think about the ways in which we can honor and provide for people in our community and ask God to provide us opportunities to act upon that.