By the time you are reading this much of the inside of Rugby Theatre will be gutted. It is many years since the present carpets and seating were installed. It was felt that it was no longer of the standard that we would wish to offer our audiences, who enable us to continue offering live theatre to the people of Rugby. I have found it sad to see the old go, but rewarding to be part of the preparations for renewal.
Nehemiah must have found his renewal problems heartbreaking and very daunting, but he found the strength and courage to first ask King Ataxerxes for permission to return to Jerusalem, and then to somehow organise and encourage the people to do the work.
“Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.” I also told them about the gracious hand of my God upon me and what the king had said to me. Nehemiah 2 : 17–18 [NIV]
At Rugby Theatre we have a man named Phil Kettle who has been chosen to plan, organise and oversee the refurbishment of the Theatre. Quite a few of us are already helping to get the work done thanks mainly to Phil’s efforts to encourage us to do so.
The Israelites had Nehemiah who was chosen by God. Why else would his brother and some other men come at that time with the news about Jerusalem? God knew that Nehemiah had the qualities needed to get the job done and, of course, the first thing Nehemiah did was to ask God to help and guide him.
Just like the theatre and Jerusalem we all need renewal from time to time and we also need God’s help and guidance to do what is necessary.
Lord, let us not be complacent about our faith in, and love of you. Renew us constantly through your Holy Spirit in the name of our saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
