This final chapter describes Nehemiah’s last reforms for the Israelites which include cleansing the temple, restoring tithing, reinstituting the Sabbath, and removing pagans (those who don’t follow God) from their midst.
“…I saw in Judah people treading winepresses on the Sabbath, and bringing in heaps of grain… wine, grapes, figs, and all kinds of loads… Then I confronted the nobles of Judah and said to them, ‘What is this evil thing that you are doing, profaning the Sabbath day? Did not your fathers act in this way, and did not our God bring all this disaster on us…? Now you are bringing more wrath on Israel by profaning the Sabbath.’ ” (v15a, 17-18 abr)
In the months following the wall and temple dedications, Nehemiah returns from a trip to find Israel has reverted to their old ways: mixing with pagans, not keeping the temple holy, and not keeping God’s commands in general. He led the wall rebuilding efforts, and now needs to lead the spiritual rebuilding efforts.
Like asking a child to do something for the umpteenth time, God is constantly reminding His people (us included) that we need to listen and obey for our own good. God doesn’t give us commandments because He needs to feel powerful and dominant, He gives us commands because He loves us and wants to protect us. Like asking someone to wear their bicycle helmet, or putting a speed limit into affect, God’s commands are there to protect us from damage and/or death.
I encourage us to meditate on how we view rules / commandments / laws / restrictions. Do we believe these things constrain us and prevent us from enacting God’s moral will, or do we believe they are guidelines with the intent of protecting us / others? Are our views on guidelines founded in scripture, or are they given to us by those who simply desire to ‘break the rules’ (are rebellious in nature)? Do we think that by honoring restrictions we are loving our neighbors, or do we think ‘our rights and freedoms’ are being violated?
With strong opinions being voiced constantly, we each need to prayerfully examine what we’re being told, and not just blindly follow the loudest or most influential voice we hear. Israel allowed themselves to be influenced from countless sources, most of which led them astray from God. Please, prayerfully compare your beliefs about laws / commandments / guidelines / restrictions / etc. against God’s heart for us, and how that affects where / how we obey / disobey the influences in our lives.
Father God, our Guide and Sovereign Lord, You have blessed us with guard rails for our own safety. Please help us to understand and obey Your laws. Please also help us to discern which other guidelines and restrictions are in alignment with Your commands to love You and love others. May we obey in alignment with Your guidance, and only ignore that which draws us further from Your commands. In the name of Jesus our Savior we honor and obey You, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training