Disloyalty and Division
Also they reported his good deeds before me, and reported my words to him. Tobiah sent letters to frighten me. - Nehemiah 6:19
The enemies’ next attack was to bring about disloyalty and division. There were people from the inside the city who had compromised. They wanted to remain friends with Tobiah and keep in communication with him. He even received an invitation to the dedication of the walls! Eliashib the priest also collaborated with Tobiah; to the point of giving him a room in the house of God––the holy temple (Nehemiah 13:4-8). Nehemiah knew his enemy was poisoning these people from within the city.
Did they not understand that he had tried to kill the Nehemiah––the man chosen to do the work of God? He was an enemy who came against them. These Jewish leaders had absolutely no discernment to what was really going on. They even tried to persuade Nehemiah that Tobiah was doing good. Tragically, as they embraced Tobiah as their friend, he was still writing intimidating letters to Nehemiah that contained false accusations against him.
Yet, Tobiah could not put any fear in Nehemiah’s heart. In the end, Nehemiah was shown to be a man of vison and integrity. The wall was built. Nehemiah’s prayer worked! God received all the glory and honor.
In the body of Christ there exist such people as Tobiah, who purposely bring about disunity and division. Yet, there are those people in the body who will still fellowship with such a person. They know they have caused problems in the congregation, but they do not realize that as they keep these relationships, they are being poisoned against the ministry. As they listen to slander and false reports they will begin to mistrust the leadership of the church. It is the same with people who listen to those who teach doctrine contrary to what is being taught from the pulpit.
Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.
~Romans 16:17~
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