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ELEMENTS OF CONGREGATIONAL SERVICE (XIX)
TUESDAY, MARCH 24
Nehemiah 13:1-14

Romans 16:17-20

 

“I beseech you, brethren, mark them

…and avoid them.”

 

ELEMENTS OF CONGREGATIONAL SERVICE (XIX)
 
The reading of the book of Nehemiah clearly brings out two particular emphases. In the first six chapters, it is clear that the focus is on the work Nehemiah and the children of Israel did in the building of the wall. Beginning from chapter 8 to the end of the book, there is repeated reference to the reading of the book of Moses with the phrase “read in the book” appearing in Nehemiah 8:8, 18; 9:3; and 13:1. Congregational response as the third element of congregational worship has, in this book, mainly been presented as a response to the reading and exposition of the Word of God. The response of the people to the Word that was repeatedly read and expounded to them is highlighted in chapters 10 to 13. In this final chapter, the importance of maintaining biblical standards and the gains made are emphasised to us.
 
On that day they read in the book of Moses in the audience of the people (Neh 13:1). The response of the people to the Word was an unending and progressive duty. Vigilance was needed to ensure continuing adherence and obedience to what the Word said. Upon the reading of the Word, duty was found, and the necessity to conform to it followed. Vigilance was also necessary since the enemy that opposed the work would not relent, but would device new ways and continue to seek the downfall of God’s people and the stopping of God’s work.
 
Eliashib the priest… was allied unto Tobiah (Neh 13:4). The enemies of the work had not been mentioned since the wall was completed, but that did not mean that they had resigned themselves to defeat and had let God’s people be. They had infiltrated and were within the holy city. It was upon the reading of the Word of God and recognising the duty to separate from those who had mingled with them that revealed their presence. The duty to separate is one that has been generally neglected today, and its neglect has greatly undermined our service of God and ceded much ground and gain that the church has made.
 
THOUGHT: Biblical Separation is an obedient response to God’s Word.

PRAYER: Oh, Father, grant me courage to practise Biblical Separation.

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