Christian Devotional – January 13, 2020

Day 13 – Zealous. Baruch was not only repairing the wall, he was zealous about it. Read Nehemiah 3:20-27.

After him Baruch the son of Zabbai zealously repaired another section, from the Angle to the doorway of the house of Eliashib the high priest. After him Meremoth the son of Uriah the son of Hakkoz repaired another section, from the doorway of Eliashib’s house even as far as the end of his house. After him the priests, the men of the valley, carried out repairs. After them Benjamin and Hasshub carried out repairs in front of their house. After them Azariah the son of Maaseiah, son of Ananiah, carried out repairs beside his house. After him Binnui the son of Henadad repaired another section, from the house of Azariah as far as the Angle and as far as the corner. Palal the son of Uzai made repairs in front of the Angle and the tower projecting from the upper house of the king, which is by the court of the guard. After him Pedaiah the son of Parosh made repairs. The temple servants living in Ophel made repairs as far as the front of the Water Gate toward the east and the projecting tower. After them the Tekoites repaired another section in front of the great projecting tower and as far as the wall of Ophel.
Nehemiah 3:20‭-‬27 NASB
https://bible.com/bible/100/neh.3.20-27.NASB

Again, so many names listed that are participating in being obedient to the calling of God. But one name here in this list stands out. Baruch is described as being zealous for the work that he was doing. He was not just being obedient, he was being obedient in an excited and enthusiastic manner. He knew the reason for the great work that he was doing. And he was busy doing it with zeal.

When we are being obedient to God, what is our attitude like? Are we going through the tasks begrudgingly? Or are we doing them with zeal and enthusiasm? What would our attitude be described as? Would we be described as zealous for obeying God’s word today?