Nehemiah got a revival going in Jerusalem, then he returned to his job in Babylon. He figured since the people were so committed, surely they would stay on track. Unfortunately, while he was away things went south. When he came back to Jerusalem to check on things, he discovered they had totally blown it.
- The Levites had left the service of the temple because the people were no longer providing for them.
- The Sabbath was being disregarded. God was no longer being put first.
- The people were starting families with foreigners who did not serve The Lord.
How quickly they had fallen away after being so committed to finally getting it right. Unfortunately, the old way of doing things was comfortable and familiar and they were not intentional about living differently.
This is a cautionary reminder to us. We learned valuable principles for revival in Nehemiah’s story, but if we are not intentional about our commitment to Christ, we will fall away as they did. The enemy is watching for cracks in our commitment and rifts in our resolve.
What must we do to make sure we stay on track and don’t blow it?
- Be on the lookout for areas in our lives and in the world around us that need attention. It is easier to repair than it is to rebuild.
- Remain connected with the body of Christ and work together to be a light to the lost and hurting people around us.
- Stand strong and united against the opposition.
- Abide in Jesus and remain in the Word.
- Stay on mission. No matter what is going on around us, our mission does not change. Until Jesus returns, we have work to do.
For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. He gave His life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us His very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds. – Titus 2:11-14 NLT
