“Why Has the Temple of God Been Neglected?”

Text:

Nehemiah 13

Thoughts and observations…

God has always called his people to be like him. We can see, especially throughout the Old Testament, God’s call to holiness. To be holy means to be dedicated or consecrated to God, devoted to the service of God, set apart, different, separate from sin, it denotes wholeness. The Levitical law helps us to see the importance of the holiness and purity of God and his people.
Here is the setting in chapter 13 of the book of Nehemiah. “On that same day, as the Book of Moses was being read to the people...” God’s people were being exposed to God’s word. In reading through this passage of scripture my attention is drawn to Nehemiah’s zeal and jealousy to preserve God’s holiness in the eyes of the people and to the obedience of the commands regarding God’s temple.
[Vs. 10] – The people quickly forget God’s word and as a result of not having a proper understanding of God through his word, they were no longer giving back to the Lord and his work. The Levites and singers who conducted the worship services in the temple were no longer being taken care of and so they “had all returned to work their fields”.
When we are disconnected from God and his word we tend to think more about ourselves and we become self absorbed, self indulgent, self motivated, self seeking and just overall, selfish.
[Vs 11 & 12] – Nehemiah’s response. “I immediately confronted the leaders and demanded, ‘Why has the Temple of God been neglected?’ Then I called all the Levites back again and restored them to their proper duties. And once more all the people of Judah began bringing their tithes of grain, new wine and olive oil to the temple storerooms.” The rest of the chapter shows how Nehemiah went about working to “keep the Sabbath day holy” and to keep the people pure as God had commanded.

Oh Father, through the Spirit, help us to see that the way in which we care for your church, the body of Christ, directly reflects our hearts true theology. It is the marker that shows what we really believe about you, Lord. If we lack in generosity, is it because we lack a true understanding of your gospel? You have freely given us all things! (Rom. 8:32) You gave your life as a ransom to purchase freedom for everyone who would believe. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time. (1 Tim. 2:6) You are the greatest giver and you have called us to follow in your steps and be the most generous people…for your glory and our joy. May the thoughts and meditations of my heart be pleasing to you and edifying to your saints. Amen.
Psalm 139:23,24 “Search me oh God and know my heart, try me and know my thoughts; And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” If the Holy Spirit puts his gentle finger on an area of your life that is not lining up with his will and his word, I encourage you to change your mind…repent, believe the gospel and do the work that accords with godliness. There is forgiveness, restoration, healing, and holiness in Christ for his people.

Pray that God will help us to be joyful, grateful givers. There is much work to be done. Wouldn’t it be a testimony of God’s grace to see our giving increasing in the midst of these difficult economic times? Do it, Lord!

Your fellow servant,
Caleb Bast