ScriptureNehemiah 13:7b-8Here I learned about the evil thing Eliashib had done in providing Tobiah a room in the courts of the house of God. 8 I was greatly displeased and threw all Tobiah’s household goods out of the room.Observation - What does it say?If you hate confrontation, this chapter is enough to make your stomach uneasy. Nehemiah discovers several areas his people had been disobeying God and, rather than beating around the bush or timidly suggesting they should consider change, he goes for the jugular. In one of Nehemiah’s confrontations, he discovers Tobiah the Ammonite was being provided a room in the temple of God for personal use (Ammonites were forbidden to even enter the temple).So Nehemiah, in a passion to make things right before God, throws all Tobiah’s belongings out of the room. It reminds me of Jesus passionately cleansing the temple in a moment of righteous anger… and also of a girl throwing her boyfriend’s stuff out on the driveway after an argument, ha. I imagine Tobiah coming home to discover the door locked and all his stuff strewn across the ground outside; most likely overcome with anger and frustration.
Understanding - What does it mean?
Nehemiah’s motive in all these confrontations is revealed in verse 14, ”Remember me for this, my God, and do not blot out what I have so faithfully done for the house of my God and its services.”
The people of God should be more concerned with pleasing God than people. Or to put it terms for personal reflection, would you rather offend people or offend God? Bottom line, Nehemiah was shamelessly entering into confrontation because he was passionate about God being honored and obeyed, more than people being happy or un-offended.Life ApplicationSeek to please God, even if it means offending people.God, forgive us for the times we’ve tried to be politically correct and walked on eggshells around people when what was necessary was a bold challenge or presentation of the gospel. Also, I pray that if there is a room in the house of my soul that needs to be cleansed, please bring it to light. I don’t want to live a double life, honoring you in one part of the house while dishonoring you in another. In Jesus’ name, amen.- Levi ThompsonTo check out the discussion or to join in click here.
