Going Above

Based on Nehemiah 12-13, Acts 4:23-37

"And at the fountain gate, which was over against them, they went up by the stairs of the city of David, at the going up of the wall, above the house of David, even unto the water gate eastward."

"and from above the gate of Ephraim, and above the old gate, and above the fish gate, and the tower of Hananeel, and the tower of Meah, even unto the sheep gate: and they stood still in the prison gate. So stood the two companies of them that gave thanks in the house of God, and I, and the half of the rulers with me:"

Nehemiah 12:37‭, ‬39‭-‬40

There's always been something challenging, yet satisfying about a mountain climb. About going above. About going beyond. There is such a sense of accomplishment in going above & looking down below...everything seems so much smaller...people, buildings, even our problems...it makes the word "victory" that much sweeter! Maybe that's why Nehemiah led everyone above? He led them in climbing the wall they had labored to build together & they thanked God! Also, they stopped at the prison gate...this could have been intentional, to show that God's people were finally returning back from captivity into their own city! Climbing gets us to high points, but praising brings us that much further!

"Remember them, O my God, because they have defiled the priesthood, and the covenant of the priesthood, and of the Levites." Nehemiah 13:29

Unfortunately, not long after this celebration, when Nehemiah had to return to king Artaxerxes, the people began to corrupt themselves & even welcomed Tobiah, a traitor, to live in a sacred area! They got out of their place above and went far below the mountainous standard they were at before...and Nehemiah did all he could to remind the people to keep seeking higher ground! To not let temptation overcome them!

"And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:" Acts 4:24

When the disciples sought the higher ground of praise, going above the fact that the priests & elders cast them away, all those around them began to break through in the Spirit! They were able to bring others up the mountain of the miraculous with them! A little praise goes a long way...you just have to choose to start the climb!