January 15

Nehemiah 13

           This is our final reading from Nehemiah. It is probably good to remember that he is trying to re-establish a nation that has been in exile. Hard times demanded discipline, particularly in the re-building of the nation. But in reading this chapter I am so glad that we have the New Testament, particularly the gospels, aren’t you?

           When the servant of God admits to “beating” some of the men and “pulling their hair out…” I get a bit nervous. First, there are not many guys I want conflict with, particularly at my stage of life. And I certainly do not want to pull anyone’s hair out. That reminds me a bit of the old TV wrestling shows of my childhood.

           Then what do we do with this chapter? How do we condone such activities as “of God?” It is probably good to remember that we don’t live in Nehemiah’s time and setting. Were these normal behaviors at that time? Whatever the case may be, we are not followers of Nehemiah, but of the Lord Jesus. He was the one who taught us to pray for our enemies and those who hate us. I sure wish Nehemiah knew Jesus, don’t you!

Questions to ponder:

1)     How does reading a text like this affect you?

2)     Aren’t you glad we have the gospels?

Prayer for the day: Lord God, help me to embrace your grace today. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, amen.

Marvin Cameron