Passage Read: Nehemiah 12 - Esther 2
Meditation Verses: Nehemiah 13:23-25
Thought
Nehemiah returned to Babylon for a time, but when he came back to Jerusalem, many of his reforms were undone! All the people had taken an oath to be the Lord's people and do His will, but Nehemiah turns his back for a short time, and the people forget their oath! Just like that! Does their word mean nothing to them? Does the Lord mean nothing to them? Is there no way to convince people to do what is right from the heart? Must they always require someone who will enforce God's law in order for them to faithfully obey? Jesus changed everything by coming as a nobody but doing amazing miracles and teaching without a classroom. He didn't come and force everyone to follow the Lord; He followed the Lord and taught the Truth, and let those come to Him who wanted to know Truth and ignored the rest. The people showed by their choices who belonged to Him and who didn't.
Application
It is discouraging to lead people to take an oath to follow the Lord, then step back and see who keeps their word. Far too many will forget their oath as soon as they walk away. It means nothing to them. There is no fear of God before their eyes, no respect, no love. To require obedience from the top down will get results, but only as long as the leader remains and keeps everyone accountable. How exhausting! I want people to love the Lord from the heart, by their own choice; I don't want to enforce a commitment to Jesus, but to fellowship with those who truly love and devote themselves to Him. And Jesus modeled that kind of ministry. I'm not obligated to have real fellowship with everyone who shows up, but fellowship will come naturally with those who also delight in the Lord, to fear and honor Him. Those are the ones I want to hang out with!