And next unto him builded the men of Jericho. And next unto them builded Zaccur the son of Imri. Nehemiah 3:2
Most of the men and a good number of the sisters arrived early in the morning to build an extension on the Hall. The plan was to get as much of the work done that day as possible. But even with a good turnout, there were not large numbers, because the Assembly was small. Only one of the number had carpenter experience. The work site was ready for construction to begin because the foundation for the extension was already poured. As the carpenter examined the plans and began issuing directions, a large car pulled into the parking lot and four men climbed out with hammers in their hands. They were carpenters from an Assembly many miles away, and they had come to help. With the expertise and the energy that the visitors provided, the project proceeded beyond expectations that day. Those visitors were like the men of Jericho in today’s text, who had also come to help.
Nothing had compelled the men of Jericho to show up for the great project of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. But like all good neighbours, they had recognized the value of this great project. If Jerusalem was made save, Jericho would benefit. This spirit of helping out is prevalent among our Assemblies today. It is true that we appreciate and uphold the scriptural principle of the autonomy of each of God’s Assemblies. But it is also true that we also appreciate the fellowship that exists among Assemblies, in which help is generously offered to each other and in which many projects are shared. Conferences are an excellent example of this. Some conferences such as the annual spring conference on Prince Edward Island are jointly hosted by several Assemblies. In many other cases, the hosting assembly receives assistance in the form of money, lodging, supplies, and food. As a result of this fellowship, the weight of the conference is made easier for the hosting Assembly. A Gospel series conducted by one Assembly is also often given solid support financially and in attendance by members of other Assemblies. Construction projects at one Gospel Hall often attract helpers from neighbouring Assemblies. As a result of such fellowship, all Assemblies benefit and Christians are drawn closer together.
The men of Jericho had no gate to rebuild, just a lengthy section of wall. But if they had not shown up to help, somebody else would have had to build that wall, or the wall would have been incomplete in that location, exposing the city to an enemy attack. We can never tell just how much help is provided when people in one Assembly help those in another. But I can tell you from experience that the encouragement received from such help is often a huge lift to the Lord’s people.
We can be ‘men of Jericho’, offering our help when things need to be done by Christians in other locations. -Jim MacIntosh