King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Protective Walls
Date: Monday May 28, 2012
Today's Chapters: Nehemiah 11-13

Hello My Friend,

My brother went to visit with my dad and my half-brother asked him if he wanted to go see a movie, my brother responded with a maybe, but then my half-brother responded, “I will go with you, but I do not want to have to go to church and confess my sins to go with you.” My brother just looked at him and said, “I didn't ask you that.” It may sound strange and unfair for God to command that we separate ourselves from friends and even family that do not let Christ dwell with then, but, let me tell you, God does it for our own good. There is a good reason why He separates us from them, while good always triumphs evil, evil takes control of God's people quickly if we do not remain in the protective walls of Jesus Christ. “Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.” - 1 John 3:21-24.

When Nehemiah left Babylon he was determined to bring the presence of God back to Jerusalem and everything was moving in the right direction. Ezra and his crew were successful at restoring the temple, Nehemiah and his crew were successful at rebuilding the walls. For the first time in nearly a hundred years the Book of the Law had been read, the passover was observed, and thousands of people promised to serve God. However, very few of the people actually lived within the walls of Jerusalem, most of them lived in the suburbs where they could make a living more easily. Because of this, there was not enough people living in Jerusalem to maintain and protect it. The rulers give an account for all the people remaining in Jerusalem. “And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts to dwell in other cities. And the people blessed all the men, that willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem. Now these are the chief of the province that dwelt in Jerusalem: but in the cities of Judah dwelt every one in his possession in their cities, to wit, Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants.” - Nehemiah 11:1-3.

Jerusalem is the only city on earth called by God the holy city and where He chose to put His name. Only one in ten people chose to forsake their comfortable living in the world to live within the walls of Jerusalem and dwell with God. There are many people today whom have called on the Lord Jesus Christ to save them, but very few give up the comforts of the world to dwell with Christ, but those of us who do find a comfort in Christ that nothing in the world can give them. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” - 1 Peter 5:8-10.

Nehemiah went to the people and convinced many to return to putting serving God first in their lives. It was a revival, the Levites and other people of Judah and Benjamin returned to God with great joy and forsook their own personal needs to rebuild the city. “Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced: for God had made them rejoice with great joy: the wives also and the children rejoiced: so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off. And at that time were some appointed over the chambers for the treasures, for the offerings, for the firstfruits, and for the tithes, to gather into them out of the fields of the cities the portions of the law for the priests and Levites: for Judah rejoiced for the priests and for the Levites that waited. And both the singers and the porters kept the ward of their God, and the ward of the purification, according to the commandment of David, and of Solomon his son.” - Nehemiah 12:43-45.

It can be easy to get so sidetracked when the pressures of life come knocking at the door, and sadly, it is during times like these when most lose sight of God. When we get to that point we must step back and seek a personal spiritual revival. It's amazing what praising can do when we worship the one true God. “Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.” - 1 Corinthians 4:5.

After being in Jerusalem for about 12 years Nehemiah said it was time to return home to Babylon, after all the temple was in order and everyone was serving God faithfully. He went home to Babylon, during his absence, the Jews began neglecting their duties and within a brief period of time, the people, including the spiritual leaders and church workers had lost interest in pleasing the Lord and began focusing once again on the things in the world. When Nehemiah arrived he was stricken with grief, how could such a small town get so out of touch with God so fast. Nehemiah quickly gathered everyone together, reminding them that were to separate themselves from among them.

“On that day they read in the book of Moses in the audience of the people; and therein was found written, that the Ammonite and the Moabite should not come into the congregation of God for ever; Because they met not the children of Israel with bread and with water, but hired Balaam against them, that he should curse them: howbeit our God turned the curse into a blessing. Now it came to pass, when they had heard the law, that they separated from Israel all the mixed multitude. And I came to Jerusalem, and understood of the evil that Eliashib did for Tobiah, in preparing him a chamber in the courts of the house of God. And it grieved me sore: therefore I cast forth all the household stuff of Tobiah out of the chamber. Then I commanded, and they cleansed the chambers: and thither brought I again the vessels of the house of God, with the meat offering and the frankincense.” - Nehemiah 13:1-3,7-9.

Israel was a peculiar people, and knew not to mingle with the world, but if they did not remain in God's Word it would be easier to fall back into the world. It is important that we as Christian realize we are a peculiar people too and are given the same commands as the Jews were given. Unless we stop mingling with the people in the world and get in God's Word we get in the same predicament. “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;” - 1 Peter 2:9-11.

Much too often Christians compromise with those who live in the world because they lack knowledge of the Scriptures or do not want to upset people. I told my Sunday school class that they were to be good examples no matter who pressures them to do bad. I asked them, “If I told you to go up to the platform when the preacher was talking and start talking would you do it?” Only one said they would do it because they were told to do it. We cannot risk the consequences for our actions because we do not want to upset people, in the end we must face Jesus ourselves, not them, they must face Jesus too for what they have done, but we are all responsible for our own actions. Those who choose to dwell with Christ might mess up from time to time, but when they stand before Jesus He will say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” - Matthew 25:21.

Today's Prayer: God, I want to remain in the protective walls that You place around me when I dwell with Christ. Let me not be fooled by those who are content to make me fall, let me not be intimidated to compromise with those who do not dwell with You and let me not fall into temptation. Lord, lead me and guide me, let me to keep my eyes on You and keep trusting You to help me through all the difficulties I face. I ask this is Jesus' name. Amen.

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