Scripture Union Daily Guide 2 December 2021 Thursday Message
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Topic: Dealing With Ungodly Alliance
Opening Prayer: Grant me depth of insight, revelation and knowledge as I meditate on this passage, O Lord.
Scripture: Nehemiah 13:1-14
Question(s) for Reflection
• Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
• What is God revealing to me in this passage?
Outline: Nehemiah continued with his reforms as he addresses unholy and ungodly alliances within the fold. The “mixed multitude” (KJV) refers to the Ammonite and the Moabite who were living among the Israelites. God cares for the foreigners among His people and expect that they are treated well (see Exodus 23:9). The specific instruction to remove the Ammonite and Moabite descendants from the “assembly of the Lord” (Deuteronomy 23:3) was due to a detestable act committed against God’s people (v.2; cf. Numbers 25).
Recall they were descendants of Lot, who was a son to Abraham’s brother, the forefather of the Israelites (Gen. 19: 36 – 38). We are God’s Temple. Therefore, we must not entertain anything that will defile our fellowship with Christ. Read your Bible, pray every day and be ready to live in obedience to the Word (vs.1a, 3a). It is strange that Eliashib, the Priest, should ally with wicked Tobiah and even accommodate him in the Temple’s storehouse (vs.4-10). Remember Tobiah’s evil actions in 2:10; 4:3-7. See 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1 and 1 Corinthians 15:33 for Paul’s warning against evil association. We note that these mostly happened during Nehemiah’s absence (v.6). We must set godly standards in our home so that evil alliances do not overtake our children in our absence.
Observe how the Levites and singers reacted when their welfare was neglected (v.10). How much do you care for the ministers of the gospel who labour among you (cf. 1 Timothy 5:17-18)?
• Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Closing Prayer
• Lord, grant me the grace to do your work
• Pray against causes of climate change, war and other factors that could lead to famine and other disasters.with total commitment.
Offer a prayer of faith in line with Luke 1:30; 2 Chron. 28-29; Luke 10:1-24
Scripture Union Daily Guide 2 December 2021. Scripture Union is an international, interdenominational, evangelical Christian organization. It was founded in 1867, and works in partnership with individuals and churches across the world. The organization’s stated aim is to use the Bible to inspire children, young people and adults to know God.