A Little Leaven
(Woo Li Chun, DISCIPLE Facilitator, Discipleship & Nurture)
READ:
Nehemiah 13, Psalm 28 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
Nehemiah must have been utterly frustrated with what he saw upon his return visit to Jerusalem.
- Instead of separating themselves from the Ammonites and Moabites, the Jews allowed Tobiah to have a room in the temple to put his own things.
- What was allotted to the Levites for their keep wasn’t given to them, resulting in them going back to work in their fields, neglecting the work in the temple.
- Many profaned the Sabbath by working, buying and selling on the Sabbath.
- Instead of separating themselves from the pagans in marriage, many took pagan wives.
Nehemiah took steps to make things right. He must have made himself downright unpopular. He took drastic steps, even pulling out the hair of those who took pagan wives! (Neh 13:25).
He was aggrieved by their sin and what he had to do. Each time after the issue was settled, he exclaimed, “Remember me, O my God…” (Neh 13:14, 22,29). He also asked God to “Remember them…” (Neh 13:29).
He took such a serious view of their sin and dealt with his brethren so seriously, “Because they do not regard the works of the Lord, Nor the operation of His hands, He shall destroy them And not build them up.” (Ps 28:5)
It was for the same disobedience to God that landed the Jews in exile in the first place!
APPLY
Sin is like leaven. “A little leaven leavens the whole lump.” (Gal 5:9)
Nehemiah was strict for he knew that the consequences are far worse! Beware the little leaven!
DO
Similarly, the world beckons me earnestly to follow its ways. Am I compromising my beliefs and tolerating ungodly behaviour?
This is a question for which I have to examine my thoughts, words and deeds frequently, if not, daily. Practising “Examen” till it becomes a habit will definitely be beneficial to my walk with Christ. Prompt repentance and obedience is definitely better than being corrected by someone like Nehemiah.
PRAY
Dear Lord,
Search me O God, and know my heart today. Try me O Saviour, know my thoughts, I pray. See if there’s any wicked way in me, cleanse me from every sin, and set me free! In Jesus’ Name, which belongs to He who is most obedient and sinless, Amen.
