Day 131

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A Purified City!

Scripture

May 10—Nehemiah 11-13: Purifying the Rebuilt City

Observation

Nehemiah now takes steps to consolidate the people, organize the nation, and deal with laxness toward God's law. Though the walls and temple are completed in Jerusalem, the people are hesitant to move in. A large city with few inhabitants and no place to live has little appeal and finally a lottery is held to bring one-tenth of the population within the city walls. At the same time, the walls are formally dedicated and the temple officers recommissioned. After an extended leave to Babylon, Nehemiah returns to find an old enemy (Tobiah) living in a temple storeroom, and a shocking disregard for God's laws regarding marriage and the Sabbath. He delivers a blistering rebuke and sets matters in order once again.

Application

When Nehemiah returned from his Babylonian "furlough" and saw the dismal state of affairs in Jerusalem, he had a choice. He could (1) pray for the people and leave the whole matter in God's hands; (2) throw up his hands in disgust and go back to Babylon, or (3) pray first, then confront the people with their sin. Which option did he choose? Which option would you choose?

In an emotion-charged scene, Nehemiah "confronted these parents and cursed [reviled] them and punched a few of them and knocked them around  and pulled out their hair; and they vowed before God that they would not let their children intermarry with non-Jews" (13:25). In other words, he grabbed them by their lapels and tried to shake some godly sense into their heads. In spite of their persistent waywardness, he care enough to confront, to discipline, to get personally involved.

Is someone close to you toying with a sin that could ruin his or her life? Be sure your own life is an open book before God; then confront that individual in love. For, true love is willing to get involved.

Prayer

Almighty God, we confess our sins before you; we lay them at Jesus' feet. We thank you for forgiving our sins and clothing us with a praying garment of humility. In Jesus' name we pray! Amen!

Pray in Jesus' Name!






© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020

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