Neh 3:21 | KingComments | STEP | Meremoth is one who builds in front of the house of another, in front of the house of Eliashib the high priest ( ). He does this as an extra work, because he did restore another part of the wall first ( ). Eliashib helps to build the Sheep Gate ( ), but it seems that he neglects his own house. It is to Meremoth’s credit that he takes on a task that is actually for Eliashib himself. He does not say: “Am I my brother’s keeper?” ( ). Instead, he makes an extra effort in favor of his failing brother. He makes an effort to do what the other is failing to do. This does not diminish Eliashib’s responsibility, especially since he is so prominent among the people. It is to be wished that there are also men in the church who want to make extra effort for those who fail in their own family. It is necessary that such men have their own house in order. In 1 Timothy 3 are the conditions to be met by someone who aspires to be an overseer ( ). The work of an overseer is called “a fine work” ( ). This fine work which the overseer aspires is nothing less than the keeping of God’s flock ( ; cf. ). It is a work because it requires an investment of energy. The aspiration to be an overseer should not be to want to be something, but to want to do something. It is not extending to a position of authority, but to the task of a servant. Service is done for God (He is the commissioner) and to the church (cf. ; ). The motive for this aspiration can be nothing more than surrender to and love for the Lord Jesus and the desire to serve Him in dependence and obedience.

‏ Nehemiah 3:21

Meremoth

Meremoth is one who builds in front of the house of another, in front of the house of Eliashib the high priest (Neh 3:1). He does this as an extra work, because he did restore another part of the wall first (Neh 3:4). Eliashib helps to build the Sheep Gate (Neh 3:1), but it seems that he neglects his own house. It is to Meremoth’s credit that he takes on a task that is actually for Eliashib himself. He does not say: “Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Gen 4:9). Instead, he makes an extra effort in favor of his failing brother. He makes an effort to do what the other is failing to do. This does not diminish Eliashib’s responsibility, especially since he is so prominent among the people.

It is to be wished that there are also men in the church who want to make extra effort for those who fail in their own family. It is necessary that such men have their own house in order. In 1 Timothy 3 are the conditions to be met by someone who aspires to be an overseer (1Tim 3:1-7). The work of an overseer is called “a fine work” (1Tim 3:1). This fine work which the overseer aspires is nothing less than the keeping of God’s flock (Acts 20:28; cf. 1Pet 5:1-4). It is a work because it requires an investment of energy.

The aspiration to be an overseer should not be to want to be something, but to want to do something. It is not extending to a position of authority, but to the task of a servant. Service is done for God (He is the commissioner) and to the church (cf. Ezra 7:10; Neh 2:10).

The motive for this aspiration can be nothing more than surrender to and love for the Lord Jesus and the desire to serve Him in dependence and obedience.