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We learn from the story of Nehemiah that those who betray God’s people will eventually face His wrath. We cannot compromise on God’s commands — divine law demands full obedience. In disobedience, we lose the blessings promised by God to those who love Him.

What happens to the Church and Government who ‘forget God’s benefits’ and turn to a raft of new gods?

M.G. Pearse wrote a great exposition on the book of Nehemiah, particularly the latter part, Chapter 13: 7-31. Titled Devoted Patriot, Pearse writes of what is easily reflected in the times in which we live.

It is scarcely possible to think of the swift and complete destruction of the religious life of a city apart from a deeply laid plot on the parts of those who saw in the recall of Nehemiah their own opportunity, and whose plans were carefully laid and boldly carried out as soon as he had left.

Traitors

The building of the walls and gateways of the city had been followed by a bold effort for the security of Jerusalem. By the advantage of the fervour of the new religious life which had sprung up amongst them, Nehemiah had gathered the people together and persuaded them to enter into a very solemn covenant, which they had signed and sealed.

The list of those who signed this covenant is given — a suggestion that it was not signed by all. The first name is that of Nehemiah: and next to his we should naturally look for that of Eliashib, the high priest, and Jehoiada his son. But these two are conspicuously absent.

So, then it is plain that before the departure of Nehemiah, there were two parties whose antagonism could only be fierce and bitter: a party which had surrendered itself to the strictest observance and enforcement of the law, and another party which had entangled itself by heathen relationships. In this latter party, the first and foremost was Eliashib the high priest.

As soon as Nehemiah had gone, Eliashib at once becomes the head and ruler of the city. Now comes the collision of two parties, on one side are people like the Puritans of old; on the other side was the party of the court, hand in glove with the wealthy people of the land eager for their own advancement and position. (sound familiar?)

Eliashib, the leader of the courtiers, had nothing to expect from the covenanters but a stern and bitter opposition. To strengthen his position, and perhaps his own personal security, he gathers about him these from the outside (mercenaries), intending doubtless to draw the line sharply as soon as they had served his purpose, but finding, as such men always do, that he has to yield step-by-step, until everything that the law held sacred was broken down before the influx of the people of the land… (are we witnessing this, breaking down of our country? Are unholy alliances being made that put a sword to the throats of our people?)

Disobedience

A swift and terrible reaction followed the high-pitched fervour of the great revival. First to be swept away with the reforms that Nehemiah had introduced, the matter of mixed marriages. That which the high priest himself sanctioned by example… the book of Malachi throws a lurid light upon the condition of things in this as in other respects (Malachi chapter 2 verses 11, 14, 16)…

Eliashib seeks further to strengthen his position and weaken his opponents by concession to the greed of the people, as he had previously indulged their lust. The tithes and offerings which were claimed by the priests and Levites were withheld from them, or the people gave only that which was diseased or torn by wild beasts; the people robbed God, as Malachi says… with this must have fallen every barrier for the protection of Jerusalem… it was evident that the heathen had everything their own way.

The Sabbath was virtually set aside… Such is the state of things which Nehemiah finds in his return to Jerusalem. Perhaps his coming was unlooked for, the enemy hoping to keep him still at the court of the king. We have thought perhaps of Nehemiah as a graceful courtier, the stately cup bearer, his appearance would have much to do with his high position. But here is a very different man. He seems to stand before us with knitted brows and flashing eyes-a man who does not hesitate to lay hands upon the offenders and his words terrify the city.

Reparation

Nehemiah’s indignation is kindled first by the tidings of the desecration of the House of God, and hastening there he faces Eliashib on his own ground, and with his own hands he flings out the household stuff of the intruding Tobiah, and has the chambers cleansed from the defilement, and the holy vessels set again in them.

That Eliashib and his party should have submitted to such a high-handed proceeding may seem surprising; but the conscience of the people was with Nehemiah, and they felt it was useless to resist one of such resoluteness, backed by such authority as he possessed. Then the priests and Levites were again set in their places, and provisions were duly delivered, treasurer is being appointed to receive and distribute the offerings of corn and oil and wine.

Meanwhile the rulers had gathered themselves together, as they did when Christ came to the temple. The interference with the hope of their gains stirred their resentment; for those nobles a working day was not to be lightly parted with, since others did the work of which they reaped advantage.

Nehemiah orders the gates to be shut at sunset on Sabbath eve and that none shall enter bearing burdens until the day was done… more difficult involved the matter of mixed marriages. But as in all things, Nehemiah would tolerate no half measures. (How can we?)

No Compromise

Johandi, the son of the high priest and son-in-law of Sanballat, thought to screen himself behind these high relationships. But that didn’t work, for the indignant governor chased him out of the city and forbade him to return. Taking refuge in Samaria with others who resented the actions of Nehemiah, he set up a rival temple and service and cleared the way for the same reforms which were established in Jerusalem.

Looking back over the chapter, we see a lesson for all time and for us: that we can never loosen the law of God in one particular without loosening it in it all. The law of God is, and to break it in any point is to endanger in it all. Eliashib thickened his sin one layer at a time until everything was lost — this is the story of the destruction of the individual and the nation.

This is One Layer Cake We Choose Not to Eat!

Be partakers of Holiness, His divine nature, the Cup of His sacrifice for us; not the pervasive sin gripping the world.

When we acknowledge the freedom we have received by our faith in Jesus, we should no longer be led astray.

“Before you were led astray you were so faithful.
Who has deceived you so that you have turned from what is right?

The One who enfolded you into His Grace
is not behind this false teaching that you’ve embraced.
Don’t you know that when you allow even a little lie into your heart,
it can permeate your entire belief system?”
~ Galatians 5:7-9

The march of socialist/Marxist ideology is on the march against everything the Gospel of Jesus Christ stands for.

Our universities, schools, government and unelected bureaucrats have been overtaken by people well-versed in these anti-religion, family, individual freedom, pro-abortion, euthanasia, transgender maniacal agendas. Even the push to ‘normalise’ paedophilia!

Corporate boards drink the Kool-Aid, and through greed and placating the ‘squeaky wheels’, sell us out. Not just Christians — let me make this clear. We are simply the voices calling out the sin of this ‘new normal’.

Messed-Up Marketing

Woolworths is a great example of selling out our families by promoting the LGBTQ lobby in their catalogue of weekly specials, and their push to infiltrate our primary schools with sexualised learning aids for students. By purchasing a certain product, Woolworths would donate funding for these kits with OUR money! We play an active part in our demise. Are you kidding me?

When I saw this, I took a screenshot and forwarded the link to every Christian friend I had on Messenger. I asked them to forward it to their pastors, church boards and friends. To my deep sorrow, only three people even acknowledge it — that’s just how far we’ve slipped.

A young man we have known for many years was openly hostile, asking where my love for my fellow man was. It deeply saddened me that to stand up for the protection of our children and grandchildren could somehow be misconstrued as a hateful attack on another’s rights.

I explained to him that it’s neither Woolworth’s job nor that of teachers in schools to undertake a blatant push for queer agendas and the dissolution of parental rights at the same time. He just didn’t get it; he remembers us “being such nice people”. We still are, I replied. Just more outraged at the pervasive sins overtaking our world. As the saying goes, you can’t put lipstick on a pig; it’s still a pig.

Straying from the Path

The Uniting Church started on a path many years ago that diverts from scripture and yields to the demands of strange gods. The Salvation Army slips away; Christian schools are attacked for performing the very role parents sign up for.

Churches turn away the unvaccinated and separated them out as ‘less than’ while walking in the love of Jesus. How diabolical is the plan of the enemy, and how well he’s done in recent history!

‘The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds.’ We don’t walk around with a sword strapped to our body, but the weapons He gives!

Do we understand them? Do we use them? Can we fall to our knees and ask God where we fit? Why have our leaders been weak? Are they too, still on milk rather than meat? Are we turning a blind eye to a system corrupted by governmental handouts?

Is it easier to hand off responsibility to pastors and boards and say, “Hey not me! I didn’t do it. I was only following what the church said.” If that’s the case, just like the old saying goes, “If they told you to jump off a bridge, would you do it?”

The Narrow Way

What does cleansing look like to us? Are we actually reading the Word, growing in the understanding of it? Do we pray for our government, believe, repent; are we being disciples and making others as well?

What about compromise? It’s a question that will continue to be posed to us by the world; it’s really the hill we die on. If we start to believe in a woke Jesus, we are in big trouble; to my knowledge, he doesn’t exist.

Why did Nehemiah come up against such great opposition? He was cleaning out the system, rebuilding the structures and securing his church. In doing so, he saved many lives. Are we devoted patriots? Make no mistake, this isn’t over!

The Last Days

As the election looms, frankly, I find little difference between the two major parties with their leftist extremists, but thankful for the gallantry of a few good men and women. I don’t see either party standing up for Australia as we once knew it. Instead, it seems our heritage has been sold off for a bowl of porridge.

The Book of Revelation speaks of the lukewarm church, and the church where Jesus stands at the door and knocks. Why? Why wasn’t He inside the church? Have we locked Him out and shut ourselves off from His admonition?

I remember when we were first saved, Luis Palau was visiting Australia. In a TV ad, he said these words: “The Church of Jesus Christ is just one generation away from extinction.” I’ve never forgotten that. It hardly seemed conceivable, but we’ve been warned a long time ago about what to expect in the last days.

Are they happening now? I don’t know. However, if we look at the Word and the signs of the times in which we live, we need to drop to our knees while there is still time. And if He tarries? That’s the Father’s decision and His right. Like Nehemiah, we have work to do!

Stay the Course

Hebrews Chapter 2 is a warning not to drift from truth:

“This is why it is so crucial that we be all the more engaged and attentive to the truths that we have heard said, that we do not drift off course.”

Chapter 3:

“This is what the Holy Spirit says. If only you would listen to His voice this time! Don’t make Him angry by hardening your hearts like your ancestors did during the days of their rebellion, when they were tested in the wilderness.”

Chapter 5 — Moving on into full maturity:

“We have so much to say about this topic although it is difficult to explain, because you have become too dull and sluggish to understand. For you should already be professors instructing others by now; but instead, you need to be taught from the beginning the basics of God’s prophetic oracles! You, like children needing milk and not yet ready to digest solid food. For every spiritual infant who lives on milk is not yet pierced by the revelation of righteousness.”

Chapter 10:

“So, if we continue to persist in deliberate sin after we have known and received the truth, there is not another sacrifice for sin to be made for us.”

In closing, judgment begins at the House of the Lord. The Word tells us that we should judge ourselves; allow the Word to bring to light those things God wants to deal with; the Holy Spirit will convict and convince us of sin — better here on earth than at the Bimah!

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Photo by Mikhail Nilov.