It Starts With Jesus

Then Eliashib the high priest and the other priests started to rebuild at the Sheep Gate. They dedicated it and set up its doors, building the wall as far as the Tower of the Hundred, which they dedicated, and the Tower of Hananel.
Nehemiah 3:1
 
Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep.”
John 10:7
 
Have you ever had a project you needed to do but never really got started because you just didn’t know where to start? Maybe you knew the second step, or the third step, but you were missing that first step. That first step is so important, if we miss it the entire project might fail or be impossible. Where you start and how you start matters. 

Nehemiah has just arrived in Jerusalem to get to work rebuilding the wall and I think he knew his first step was a big one and it mattered. He took some time once he arrived there to get to know the city and survey the brokenness. But, one he was ready to get to work it seems he started at the Sheep Gate. This was a big first step and very important gate.

The Sheep Gate was where they would bring in all the animals to market and those that were going to be sacrificed in the temple. This gate stood as their entrance, or first step, in obedience to God. This wasn’t just about them rebuilding a wall, it was also about them rebuilding their relationship with God. At this time, that always started with sacrifice. 

It was also the only gate that was consecrated (dedicated). I believe they took time at this gate to make that sacrifice and to surrender themselves and their work to the Lord.  Think of this as a moment of re-commitment or re-dedication. For a long time they had not been living as God’s chosen people, but they knew they needed to get back to it.  What better place to start than the Sheep Gate?

For us, Jesus is our sheep gate. He says so in John 10. Jesus is our way into His family, our way into a relationship with the Father. It all starts with Him. Before we get to far into rebuilding any walls or trying to restore any brokenness we need to first enter through the sheep gate and spend a minute there letting Him do a work in us first. Get with Jesus and allow Him to begin doing His work in you.  If you have gotten away from Him, well, get back – you already know the way.  He is there, waiting to welcome you home.
             
Pastor Matt