Jerusalem, Sin City
Thus I cleansed them of everything pagan. - Nehemiah 13:30
As we look at the outline of the thirteen chapters of the book of Nehemiah, we shall see Nehemiah as a man of great concern (Nehemiah 1:1-4). Then we see him as a man of construction; as he began the rebuilding process of the walls of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 2-3). He was a person who dealt with conflicts (Nehemiah 4-6), and a man who took seriously the consecration of God’s people (Nehemiah 7-12). Lastly, Nehemiah was a man who would cleanse the city and the temple of every pagan sin (Nehemiah 13).
Nehemiah would bring reform into the lives of God’s people. He would not give any room for compromise. Seriously, he did not allow them to bring in anything pagan into the temple. He would even separate them from their pagan wives. At one point he contended with some of the Jews by pulling their hair and striking them in the face (Nehemiah 13:25). Nehemiah would remind the Jews of King Solomon’s sin, when he took for himself pagan women, as wives (Nehemiah 13:26-31).
It is important to cleanse our lives of sin daily (1 John 1:9); then we can begin the process of rebuilding the spiritual walls in our lives. As we have seen the plan of God in Nehemiah’s life, we can ask the Lord, “What do you intend to do with my life?” As you read God’s Word, He will speak to your heart. The Lord will use a man or woman, anointed by the Holy Spirit, with their abilities, gifts and talents to build the kingdom of God.
I hope that this year is the beginning of a changed life, heart and ministry, so that we can all work together in perfect harmony.
Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
~Philippians 2:1-2~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!