“Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.” Isaiah 58:12 NIV
In the small town where I grew up, my grandfather built a small community of houses with streets named after each of his grandchildren. For a time, we lived on my street, Jenny Avenue, where neighbours gathered, children played, and all seemed right in the world. The last time I drove through that neighbourhood, I saw houses in need of repair, streets in need of restoration, and fences broken down by time and neglect. Nostalgia hit hard as I remembered how it was before.
I can only imagine how the Jewish remnant felt when they returned to Judah after their exile in Babylon. Their once beloved homeland had been destroyed, and they were left standing in the rubble of distress and disgrace. When Nehemiah heard of the terrible destruction, he wept. For days, he mourned, fasted, and prayed. Then, he asked God to give him favor, sending him to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
In a brave act of unity, the Jewish people joined hands for this mighty purpose. The third chapter of Nehemiah mentions them by name – men and women working together section by section to fulfill what Isaiah prophesied: “Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.
This powerful passage is a reminder that we have a faithful Father who is the Repairer of Broken Walls and Restorer of Streets with Dwellings. In our mission to restore our Jewish brothers and sisters, God equips us to work together for one purpose. He is the sure foundation as mentioned in Isaiah 33:6, saying, “He will be the sure foundation for your times.”
As we see the broken walls before us, and encounter the hurting souls of men, women, and children, it’s tempting to let discouragement overcome. However, we are assured of a bright and beautiful future built on God’s love through His Son. The Lord is with us. He will continue to equip us with everything needed to restore the lives of our beloved Jewish brothers and sisters. Though we sometimes long for days gone by, and mourn what once was, let’s look to the One who mends broken walls and broken hearts. He is faithful to the end.
