February 25, 2023

Passage Read: Nehemiah 4-7
Meditation Verse: 6:14

Thought

It is sad that these foreign leaders who cared nothing about the welfare of the Jews would be able to hire prophets from among the Jews to intimidate one who was seeking to do good to the people. It is sad that there were spiritual people, prophets, who were willing to be used by others to frustrate a work that was beneficial to the people. It is a reminder that not all who claim to know God actually do. There are those who care more for their bellies than for the truth and for the good of others. I should not be one and I should not be intimidated by such.

Application

I need to keep aware that not all who serve the Lord are truly from the Lord. Many are hired hands who care little for the sheep and much for the salary. When trouble comes, they will seek their own safety, they will look to men, even godless men, to take care of them, and so obligate themselves to serve those men and their wishes, even when that sets them at odds with the Lord. A work of God will usually offend godless men, and they will use crafty means to oppose it. So I shouldn't be surprised if spiritual people oppose a work of God.