The people of Israel covenanted together to not neglect the Lord’s temple. Previously, they had neglected the building which had been in sad disorder; they had neglected to offer sacrifices as prescribed by the Lord; and they had neglected to bring their tithes and offerings, as they kept for themselves what the Lord had declared as His. Now, under the direction of Nehemiah the governor and Ezra the priest, the temple reconstruction had been completed, the rebuilding of the city walls were finished, the sacrifices had been reinstituted, the Law had been read, and the people had confessed their sins and took bold steps to right themselves before the Lord. Together they committed not to fall back into the sins of their fathers or their own sinful actions, and they made a clear promise before the Lord. For the people of Israel and the sons of Levi shall bring the contribution of grain, wine, and oil to the chambers, where the vessels of the sanctuary are, as well as the priests who minister, and the gatekeepers and the singers. We will not neglect the house of our God (Nehemiah 10.39).
The Israelites set a good example for our commitment to the house of the Lord, which today is the local church. May we gladly bring our tithes and offerings to the church, not withholding what God desires, and not neglecting to give just to retain for selfish desires. May we not neglect to serve in the work of the church, choosing to do what we can in being good stewards of all the Lord has given us, in and out of the church. May we not neglect the centrality of the Word of God, recognizing the Lord uses His Word to convict us of sin, to change our lives, and to bring us into harmony with Himself and other believers. May we not neglect the church, coming to it as only a matter of convenience for our benefit, rather than considering the joy and privilege we have in regularly worshiping and serving our Lord with other believers. May we not neglect our local Church.
Being made part of the church – we have much to be thankful for –
Terry
My Morning Desk 