He had my back

A “through the bible” devotion from Nehemiah 4.

Jack worked in a prison before he retired and moved to our community. He was a faithful member, always greeting folks as they arrived for worship, and serving as an usher. I had to remind him on several occasions, “These are members, not inmates.” Yeah, he got a little carried away sometimes.

That wasn’t always a bad thing. He worked part-time for the sheriff’s department serving warrants, so he had a badge. If a suspicious person came to the entrance of the church, he would simply hold his suit coat to the side, flash his badge, and ask, “How are you doing?” Message sent.

When Nehemiah supervised the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls, there was plenty of opposition from the locals. When they slowed down the work, “Each of the builders had his sword strapped at his side while he built” (Nehemiah 4:18). In other words, stand back, buddy.

I was thankful for guys like Jack who were watching the door while I led worship. In the course of a worship service, I could see everyone who came and went. But I knew he had my back.

Sometimes you’re working on faith. Sometimes you’ve got a weapon in your hand. Most of the time, it’s both.

But by the grace of God, we get the job done.