Key Chapter: Nehemiah 10
The LORD established the work of Nehemiah and his faithful team. They were filled happiness and joy as they took a decision to abide in the laws of the LORD. And, as they gathered, they took a decision to make a covenant with GOD. A covenant is an agreement that people make with GOD and they agree to accept a curse from GOD if they breach the covenant.
The covenant was made by a group of people who:
- Separated themselves from the people of the land;
- Had knowledge and understanding;
- Took a decision to join with their kinsmen.
They made three faithful decisions in their covenant with GOD:
- We will be faithful to GOD when it comes to our relationships in marriage
“That we will not give…” vs. 30. This was a decision taken by the parents, which shows that the parents have a vital role in choosing the right partner for their sons and daughters. When people drift from the word of GOD, the whole harmony changes- the sons and daughters search and find partners for themselves. The LORD has set strong standards in choosing a life partner. “Finding a person who has the same interests, passion, commitment and behavior like yours, doesn’t mean that they are the life partner GOD has kept for you. Keep waiting on GOD for His perfect will.” Marital relationships must be according to the standards of the word of GOD. Don’t rush to find your love as your friends are getting married, or because you need a better settlement. GOD has set a time for everything; so be faithful to GOD in your marital relationship. Marriage is a covenant that couples make with GOD and GOD must be the key person of your marriage. When you become weak, when you fail to love each other, when you fail to understand each other and when you feel that the marriage is beyond repair, take it to GOD. You made the covenant with HIM and HE is ready to fix you and your marriage.
- We will be faithful to GOD when it comes to doing business.
Business is a field where we may fail to be faithful. People are forced to do unfaithful acts when their focus shifts from GOD to money. But, as the people took a covenant, they were forcing themselves to abide in the laws of GOD, than getting a profit by looting the people. Repentance bring transformation in financial matters as well.
- We will be faithful to GOD when it comes to supporting GOD’s work.
Above all, we need to be faithful in doing the ministry of the LORD. The people took a decision to care for the house of the LORD and to give to the LORD. The best that we can give to GOD is our own lives. Being faithful in supporting GOD’s work can be also defined as sacrificing ourselves for the LORD. We ought to have a heart to even die for the LORD.
Practical Living: A leader can exhort people to follow the laws of the LORD and make them take a covenant before the LORD, only if he has a heart to follow the LORD with all his might. The people will follow a leader who has a perfect and blameless relationship with GOD. As we conclude today, let’s take a moment to reflect in our lives, “Am I having a relationship with GOD such that people will follow what I say?” If it’s a no, then repent and turn to GOD.
