Read: Nehemiah 11:1-12:26; 1 Corinthians 10:14-11:2; Psalm 34:11-22; Proverbs 21:14-16
The leaders wanted to fill Jerusalem with people so they asked for volunteers. When they still needed people they casts lots and one out of ever ten was chosen to move to Jerusalem while the others could stay in their towns.
A list was given of the descendants of Judah, Benjamin, the priests and the Levites. Some of the Levites were in charge of the outside work of the house of God. Some led in thanksgiving and prayer and some were gatekeepers who guarded the storerooms at the gates. Others were singers who were responsible for the service of the house of God. Pethahiah was the kings’ agent in all affairs relating to the people. Everyone had their gifts and places in the temple and they all did their work. Nehemiah was the governor and Ezra was the priest and scribe. When they worked together their was unity and joy.
Paul was trying to maintain that same unity and flow that Nehemiah had. It only works when the people are all worshiping the same thing and working toward the same goal. When idolatry slips in, their is division and many lines that should not be crossed are compromised. When we are under Christ we have freedoms others don’t have but that doesn’t mean we can flaunt them or defile their consciences. We have to be sensitive about what we do when it comes to others. If it offends them, then we need to abstain when they are around. This sounds hypocritical but what we do is judged by our heart and God is the judge of our hearts. Everything we do should be done to the glory of God.
Lord, help us to keep our eyes on You. Let the fear of You be on our land.
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