Key Verse: Nehemiah 13:23-31(a)
Nehemiah’s reformations dealt with bringing the people away from sin. He influenced them to correct their lives so that they would be blameless before GOD. The final thing that Nehemiah dealt with, was in regard to relationships. A relationship reform was indeed essential in the society of Jerusalem as they had resumed the practice of intermarrying with the pagan nations. This was an act of disobedience to GOD. Nehemiah’s response to this sin was stern: “And I confronted them and cursed them and beat some of them and pulled out their hair.” (Vs. 25).
The consequences of pursuing ungodly relationships:
- The people will go away from GOD as the partners will influence them to serve pagan gods,
- A generation who is totally unaware about the true GOD will grow up,
- Defilement of the call of GOD on their lives (Vs. 28).
The people of Jerusalem had all the evidences and examples from the history of their forefathers. That’s why Nehemiah explained to them about King Solomon, that the pagan wives caused him to sin.
Nehemiah made them take an oath in the name of GOD, cleansed them from everything foreign and established the duties of the priests and Levites, each in his work and arranged for the supply of wood at appointed times and for the First Fruits.
His reformation covered almost every aspect of Jerusalem – starting from the Temple to relationships. A leader always looks around and see the faults and helps to rectify the same, with guidance from GOD.
Practical Living: Have a heart to draw people towards GOD. Help them to rectify their faults. Always observe the incidents around us to check if they are according to the word and will of GOD, and move as per GOD’s guidance.
