Chapter 3 of Nehemiah is a busy chapter; everyone is involved in the building of the wall. One phrase that is repeated about thirty times is “next to him” and “after him.” They are working right next to each other, everyone doing their part to build the wall. These were not professional builders or carpenters. There were people of all occupations. There were perfumers (Neh. 3:8), goldsmiths (vv. 8, 31), temple servants (v. 26), merchants (v. 32), and priests. There were many leaders of different districts involved in the work (vv. 9–14).

This reminds us of how important it is to work together for the glory of God. Having someone next to you can be such a blessing. But beyond that, it brings joy to the heart of God, who says, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Ps. 133:1).

Paul would remind us that Christ, as the Head of the Church, has given each of us gifts “for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine” (Eph. 4:12–16).

May we be willing to work together right alongside another brother or sister for the Glory of Christ!