SUNDAY August 27, 2017
Taking Good Steps
Then I warned them, and said to them, “Why do you spend the night around the wall? If you do so again, I will lay hands on you!” From that time on they came no more on the Sabbath. And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and that they should go and guard the gates, to sanctify the Sabbath day. Remember me, O my God, concerning this also, and spare me according to the greatness of Your mercy! - Nehemiah 13:21-22
The merchants and sellers had spent the night lodging outside the city of Jerusalem. They were determined to see if they could gain entrance into the city to sell their goods on the Sabbath. Nehemiah warned them not to return or he would lay hands on them–– I like Nehemiah. He was ready to strike them if necessary! He commanded the Levites to cleanse themselves, guard the gates, and sanctify the Sabbath. Nehemiah took good steps to ensure the Sabbath was kept.
Notice how Nehemiah prayed the second time to the Lord: “Remember me, O my God….” Nehemiah was a great leader; he only cared about what God thought of his actions. He wanted the Lord to remember what he had done. He had set everything back in order according to God’s Word. Everything he had done was for God’s glory. He did not care for the opinions or even the actions of men against him. He prayed for God’s protection and mercy over His life.
Fathers, as the spiritual leaders, and the heads of their homes, should make sure sin does not creep into their homes. What is your family watching on television or social media, on their computers or phones? Are any drugs or drinking being tolerated in your home? If so, take steps to cleanse your home of anything that is a compromise to God’s Word. Fathers should guard their homes from any worldly influences. They should be the ones to make sure their whole family is attending church.
An avoidable absence from church is infallible evidence of spiritual decay.
~Frances Ridley Havergal~
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