Remember them, O my God, because they have defiled the priesthood, and the covenant of the priesthood, and of the Levites. Thus cleansed I them from all strangers, and appointed the wards of the priests and the Levites, every one in his business; (Neh 13:29-30)
While Nehemiah was away, once again the rulers and leaders of Israel had strayed from the Law and disobeyed God. It would be easy to understand the common people becoming complacent and laxing into disobedience, but where the leaders go the people soon follow. The leadership of Israel was held to a higher standard by nature of their position and their knowledge of what God demanded of His people. Nehemiah was rightfully outraged, putting all those who were unfit for service out of the temple and the city. He restored the faithful priests and made things right so that worship and service to God would be according to God’s Law and Holy once again.
God calls His people to holiness and to be like Him. He especially calls the leadership, those who have grown in Him to a place of service to the people of God, to lead as examples of the faith. Those who lead are to lead in obedience and worship, lead in faith and understanding, and lead others in service and in love. We cannot lead anyone where we have not been, nor where we are unable or unwilling to go ourselves. Those who have been called and set apart for positions of service are to serve God as they serve the people, not for their glory or honor, but for God who alone is worthy of all honor, praise, and glory.
God demands holiness and righteousness, but especially for His leaders to disciple the people to grow in Him and learn more of our Lord, to minister to those around us who are hurting and in need, as He provides. We serve, equipped with the Word of reconciliation and righteousness, rightly divided and fitly spoken, that others may see Christ in us, the hope of Glory. Our GOD has commanded us to love one another with an unfeigned love, even as He first loved us, and to disciple one another in the Word of GOD so that we may all grow in grace and in the Knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Our Lord has commissioned those who are His with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to go where He sends us in the power of the Holy Spirit. As we go, we are to proclaim the Good News of forgiveness through repentance and reconciliation with the Father through faith in His Son, that those who believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah of GOD might have life in His Name.
GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. GOD calls you to faith in Christ and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD, forgiveness from GOD, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.
In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet