For the children of Israel and the children of Levi shall bring the offering of the grain, of the new wine and the oil, to the storerooms where the articles of the sanctuary are, where the priests who minister and the gatekeepers and the singers are; and we will not neglect the house of our God." (Nehemiah 10:39)

There are times when a church or an individual is in need of spiritual renewal. The Jews of this era busied themselves with rebuilding the Temple, restoring the law, and rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem.   There is a good comparison of the activities of the Jews with rebuilding spiritual lives in our time.

Chapter 9 records a public confession of Israel. This confession was accompanied by a covenant with God.  Israel's history of departure demonstrated their propensity to wickedness.   They had lost their right to the land because of their sin.  Hopefully, this covenant would safeguard against future departures.   Their resolve: we will not neglect the house of our God. (Nehemiah 10:39)

A temple has tremendous significance in Bible parlance.  Solomon’s temple, Zerubbabel’s temple, and Herod’s temple represented the presence of God among the people.  The New Testament takes the word to a deeper spiritual meaning.  Those redeemed by Christ are a “holy temple in the Lord”. (Ephesians 2:21)  Their body is “the temple of the Holy Spirit”. (I Corinthians 6:19)  Because they are God’s house, they enjoy the great blessing of His presence.  

Just like Israel, Christians are tempted with worldliness and unbelief.  Thus, they are in need of a revival.  Our times of renewal must include the resolve to give diligence to caring for our spiritual house.  We must separate ourselves from the world’s entanglements, and fill the house with activities of heaven.

How are the walls of your spiritual life?  Bring your offerings to the storeroom,  join in with the singers of Israel, and do not neglect the house of our God.  (Nehemiah 10:39)

By George Slover

Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another, and the Lord listened and heard them; so a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the Lord and who meditate on His name. “They shall be Mine,” says the Lord of hosts,“On the day that I make them My jewels. And I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him.” Then you shall again discern between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him.”

God has a book of remembrance written before him. Those who have devoted their lives to God are stored up in God's memory, awaiting the day of judgment.

A day of reckoning is identified by the prophet. It will be a time when God separates the righteous from the wicked! Who will be in God's book of remembrance? Who will find themselves among God's special treasures?

God says, “On the day that I make them My jewels”. “Jewels”, a feminine noun meaning a personal possession is one of the most and exciting descriptions of God's relationship with his people. The unique position of the people of God has so many exciting implications. “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people.” (1 Peter 2:9)  These are Gods people!

It is humbling to think that God would regard anyone as his treasure. Sin and rebellion abound. Yet, God loved man enough to provide a way. In the midst of wickedness, Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord, Abraham was called God's friend, Israel was his special treasure, Paul was his Apostle, and we can be his own special people. The marvel of it all!

Every individual in this world has the potential of being one of God's treasures. Through the blood of Christ they can be forgiven. By the power of his word and providence, God can take the “diamond in the rough” and shape it into something very special.

By George Slover
 

"Yet the children of your people say, 'The way of the Lord is not fair.' But it is their way which is not fair!” (Ezekiel 33:17)

The very justice of God is of tremendous importance.  Abraham acknowledged this when interceding with God on behalf of Sodom and Gomorrah.  (Genesis 18:25)  A righteous man’s security depends on the truth that God is always equitable and fair.

However, through the ages man has been prone to question God’s justice.  In the days of Ezekiel, Israel questioned the way God had treated her as a nation.  (Ezekiel 18:1-32)  The prophet taught them this important lesson:  “God does not deal with us according to the conduct of our fathers, nor according to our past, but according to who we are right now”!

There are times when we are tempted to question God’s justice.  The world abounds in inequities.  Good people suffer.  Wicked people prosper.  This causes us to be hasty in our judgment of God.  Our limited knowledge of all the ways of God may hinder us from recognizing the benefits he is bringing to us.  

In addition we are slow to acknowledge God’s power to change lives.  We quickly label an individual according to past conduct.  Acceptance and pardon is difficult.  It is a challenge to believe God and his word can profoundly alter a life.

It is also common to call God unjust when we suffer for our own foolishness.  God’s message to Israel:  “Consider your ways!”  (Ezekiel 18:32)  It would be better to spend our time in self-examination rather than blaming God!

It is comforting to know that God is just.  It is very consoling to know he is merciful.  It is only a living faith and perfect submission that God accepts.

By George Slover
 

As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.”  (Colossians 2:6,7)

It was through Epaphras that the gospel came to the city of Colosee. They had received Jesus as the fullness of God, and Savior of their souls. This reception brought great joy.

However, Paul is now urging them to continue in Christ. The Gnostic heresy threatened the souls of these disciples. Paul uses three metaphors to encourage them to progress in their faith.

What path are you on? They were to walk in Christ. They were to walk according to the parameters of Christ’s truth. Every move and every motive was to be found in him.

How deep is your root? They must be rooted in Jesus. On several occasions Paul uses this figure to describe a condition of steadfastness and maturity. (Philippians 3:9; Ephesians 3:17-19)  From this root springs the fruits of knowledge, love, joy, and good works. The present active tense of the verb implies a continued progress.

How solid is your foundation? They were to be established in faith. This common New Testament theme refers to the need for stability. Whether it is “the faith” (see NKJV) - i.e. steadfastness in doctrine, or “your faith” (see NASB ) - i.e. personal conviction, both are essential.The constant barrage of worldliness, persecution, and false doctrine call for a firm foundation.

These positions in Christ must be accompanied by an overflow of thanksgiving. Enjoying the fullness of Christ will provide a heart full of grace and gratitude. We must constantly strive to do the things that please him.

By George Slover

Remove falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches—Feed me with the food allotted to me; lest I be full and deny You, and say, “Who is the Lord?” Or lest I be poor and steal, and profane the name of my God.”  (Proverbs 30:8,9)

Here the wise man reflects on the danger of two extremes: poverty or wealth. I do not wish to sound too political, but It seems that current government officials are determined to remove the middle man from our society. Regardless of their agenda, we must be more concerned with important lessons God offers in this passage of Scripture.

Time and again, the Bible reminds us that wealth can lead to self-sufficiency and forgetting God. From Israel we learn that a land of milk and honey can cause one's heart to be lifted up against God. (Deuteronomy 8:12) Jesus said it is hard for a rich man to enter heaven. (Mark 10:23) Paul instructs us to focus on eternity and not uncertain riches. (1 Timothy 6:17-19)

But just as wealth has its challenges, so does poverty. I know very few who have experienced the true pangs of hunger. But, the wise man implies that poverty has a way of distorting one's moral compass. Imagine the emotions of a parent witnessing their starving children. Before long the emotion wears them down and dishonesty and greed set in.

Thus, the wise man prays for the middle ground. By middle ground, I assume he means nothing more than the daily bread. God promises to provide the basic provisions necessary for his children to carry out their mission of pursuing his kingdom. (Matthew 6:33)

Actually, this middle ground  is as much a state of mind as it is a state of economic status. Paul said, “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” (Philippians 4:11,12) It is more of an inward, not an outward sufficiency.

“Dear Lord, let not greed overwhelm us, but let us rejoice and whatever the day brings, knowing that you are our Father, Caretaker, and Provider.”

By George Slover