Text: Nehemiah 13:1-31
The chapter begins by people responding to the Scriptural demand that
foreigners are not included in the nation. That means foreigners who do not
believe are not to be included. Also, the Temple was purged of foreign occupants.
The Temple is only for things pertaining to the worship of Yahweh and for His people. Nehemiah also brings reforms to tithing, to proper observance of the Sabbath, and to forbidding marriages with unbelievers. Nehemiah was firm on these things. He was guarding the people and the honor of Yahweh.
When the greater Nehemiah, Jesus Christ, was in His earthly ministry, He
entered the Temple and forcefully removed everyone who should not be there (John 2:15). Church leaders today should be very careful whom they allow to be members of the Church, or what they allow to be done or taught. Everything should be done according to what God says, and His will for His Church is found only in the Bible. Compromise never leads to strength but only to decay and destruction. Thanks be to God for His grace to us in Christ.
Meditate on verse 3. How are you going to apply it to your life?
Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, strengthen me in my resolve
to avoid alliances with None-believers, instead give me the ability to teach
them Your Word. Amen.