Nehemiah chapter 3 is an amazing passage of Scripture. It is God’s listing of those who were involved in the rebuilding of the wall around Jerusalem. Rather than merely saying, “The people rebuilt the wall, piece by piece,” God took time to name each person and family who was involved, and He noted what specific part they repaired. However, there was one group (the nobles of the Tekoites), who “did not put their shoulders to the work” (Neh. 3:5). In the midst of a great spirit of unity and accomplishment, some were too lazy to work, and God took note.
No doubt, rebuilding the wall was grueling work. Thus, it was described as “putting their shoulders to the work.” Most folks would rather do anything else but that, and apparently these nobles found something else to do.
Friends, when it comes to the work of the Lord today, are you putting your shoulder to the work? Do your brethren see you laboring right next to them, or have you found something else to do?