Dec
16
Written by:
Route 365
12/16/2010 5:00 AM
Week 50 : Day 4
Nehemiah 13
by Rob Cattalani
This final chapter of Nehemiah is not very optimistic. After a period of absence (see vs. 6) Nehemiah returns to Jerusalem and discovers the people of God in a very weakened state. The walls remained intact put the people had disregarded the sacred responsibilities they had committed to so whole-heartedly after the dedication of the wall (see chapter 10). Nehemiah was incensed and took swift action first correcting the abuse of the holy space (1-13), then holy time (15-21) and finally holy matrimony (23-28). It appears Nehemiah took extreme measures in addressing this abuse (e.g. vs. 25) but not without good reason. This very disobedience had resulted in calamity and judgment in the past (vss. 18 & 26) and it would not go unpunished if it continued. Three times in this chapter Nehemiah asks God to remember him (14,22,31)—that he stood against these abuses and had called for repentance.
This conclusion calls for sober reflection. How could this have happened? Why was there such a slide after the great progress of the earlier reforms? At least part of this chapter points to the importance of Godly leaders. Nehemiah provided much needed direction and inspiration for the people of God not only to build the wall but also to be faithful in their relationship with God. Yet it also points to a larger truth, that real reform would not come until the true reformer arrived, God’s Son Jesus. Only in Him could the demands of the law be truly fulfilled and a faithful obedience made possible. How is your obedience today? Are there areas in your life that need to be more fully surrendered?
Your fellow traveler,
Pastor Rob
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