(REFLECTIONS ON Nehemiah 12:1-26 )

Perhaps we have heard in the past that history, is actually His story, that is the story of our God. That is because God is the beginning and the end. In Genesis 1:1, we are told, “In the beginning God created…” In Revelation 22:12-13, we read,

12 “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”

History, is indeed His story, and when we read today’s Scripture of the names of those etched in His story, we are reminded that these individuals played a role at that time and place in His story. Yes, in both the Books of Ezra and Nehemiah, much of Scripture is devoted to recording the names of those involved in the return from exile, the rebuilding of the temple, Jerusalem’s wall, and the restoration of the faith of the people of God.

Although they may just seem like a list of difficult to pronounce names to us, but each name had a life, a testimony, a history, a part in God’s story, His story. Our church also has a history of church members, deacons, elders, and pastors from past to present. Our EM is celebrating its 20th year anniversary in 2026, and it also has its history of church members, leaders, and pastors throughout the years.

These names, also are a life, a testimony, a faith journey, and part of God’s story, His story. Although we might be tempted to skip through the names in today’s Scripture, may we read through them, remembering that each name was a life, a testimony, a faith journey, and part of God’s story, His story.

The question that God is asking us today is what will we do with our name? Our name is a life, a testimony, a faith journey, and part of God’s story, His story. May we answer the Lord’s call today and etch our name in the heart of the EM’s faith journey today.

Pastor Michael Lu
Enduring Word Bible Commentary: Nehemiah 12