RPG Adults
ELEMENTS OF CONGREGATIONAL SERVICE (XX)
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25
Nehemiah 13:1-14
1 Corinthians 10:1-13
“…let him that thinketh he standeth
take heed lest he fall.”
ELEMENTS OF CONGREGATIONAL SERVICE (XX)
The absolute necessity of separation was clearly presented in this passage when we consider the persons involved and the effect that the infiltration had on the House of God and the ministers of the house of God. There was clear erosion of personal and corporate purity by the infiltration of Tobiah in Nehemiah 13. And the effect of compromise was greatly visible in the unmistakable change in the willing and joyful obedience to the Word of God among the people.
Eliashib the priest…was allied unto Tobiah (Neh 13:4). The name Eliashib first appeared in Nehemiah 3:1, 20 as the High Priest and one who led by example in the building of the wall. In Nehemiah 12:10, the name appeared again, pointing out that he was the grandson of Joshua the High Priest. The concurrence between Nehemiah 12:10 and Nehemiah 13:28 confirmed that it was the same person. This shows the necessity of Biblical Separation. The compromise that took place was aided by one who had great heritage, and who had played a great and leading role in the progress of the work of God.
And he had prepared for him a great chamber (Neh 13:5). Nehemiah 10 to 12 present great strides in the spiritual progress of the people. Order was put in place for efficient and faithful management of the worship and offerings of the people. But all that changed with the presence of Tobiah in the Temple. The chamber that was set to house the generous gifts and offerings of the people was used to house the one who had from the start voiced his opposition to, displeasure at, and anger against the work of God in the building of the wall. The gifts and offerings (that were displaced to create room for Tobiah) were a testimony of the people’s allegiance, loyalty and obedience to God’s Word, and were for the sustenance and support of the ministers of the Word of God. The effect of compromise was clearly visible, and spiritually detrimental. It undermined the ministry of the Word since those who were to serve had to leave their service to go and work in the fields: “the portions of the Levites had not been given them… were fled every one to his field” (Neh 13:10).
THOUGHT: Even spiritual leaders can transgress. All must be vigilant.
PRAYER: (Pray for vigilant leaders and members in the church.)