The Last Chapter
Nehemiah 13:1 On that day they read in the book of Moses in the audience of the people; and therein was found written, that the Ammonite and the Moabite should not come into the congregation of God for ever;
The last chapter of the book of Nehemiah begins. The end of a thing must be more important than a beginning. I pray we all end well and finish the race appointed to us. It would be sad to do so much only to discover that we erred in that which mattered the most. Our assessment will come from the word of God and not what we think or how people see us. Nehemiah brings to our attention that the opened the book of Moses which contained the laws of God. A lot has been said about the law … many do not like God’s laws and will flaunt a derogatory tone “legalism” at any who seeks to live by it. Indeed, there is none that can meet the law perfectly, which was why Christ came to do that on our behalf …but this does not mean we do not love the laws of God. A disdain for God’s law results in even less love for Christ who paid the price to fulfil all God’s requirements from the law. It is not possible to love God and not love His laws.
Psalm 119:97 O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.
Psalm 119:113 I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love.
David was flawed in many regards, but the laws of God were his delight …as he meditated on them. Teachings on grace have caused many to forget about God’s laws and when they encounter them, to disparage them as old fashioned or even unfair. In exchange for God’s laws we have the ever changing laws of men which especially when it comes to family, marriage and relationships, have become increasingly alienated from the written laws of God. But how can we know or love what we do not even read. Do not abandon reading the books of Moses in your study …enjoy discovering divine meanings, patterns and how Christ and His salvation is revealed even in the tabernacle worship, in the rules, regulations and many customs prescribed for the children of God. God is a God of boundaries, rules and instructions …our liberty is not liberty to enjoy disobeying them … nor does grace abound so we can poison our lives with toxic lifestyles. Rediscover God’s patterns and enjoy the grace that causes you to choose the herbs over the dainty meats of Babylon.
Verses for further meditation
Rom 13:8; Psalm 119:165
Thoughts for Business and the work place
Everything needs boundaries – be certain your employees know what can or cannot be done on behalf of your corporation or organization.
Suggestions for Prayer
Lord, help to love your laws and embrace your commandments. Amen
As Nehemiah’s wall was built, so will we see a reconstruction in all that may appear in distress and in waste. Nehemiah trusted and feared God, putting his faith in the Almighty whose strength is limitless to exceed all our expectations. Look out daily for Nehemiah’s Wall in 2015 and do invite friends to subscribe to the free email or social media posts. I am praying someone with a burden to be used by God in building will receive a fresh vision and get the job done.
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Recessionproofchristianlife.com is a privately owned blog/media site started in 2009 as the internet ministry of the author. It promotes the absolute authority and divine inspiration of the Holy Bible as the Word of God – Infallible and Sufficient.
