Begin Again

Editor's note:
The book of Nehemiah recounts the story
of the rebuilding of the wall in Jerusalem.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When the wall was finally finished,
Nehemiah planned a time for celebration and dedication.

Neh.12:43~"GOD HAD GIVEN THEM GREAT JOY,
EVEN THE WOMEN AND CHILDREN REJOICED,
SO THAT THE JOY OF JERUSALEM
WAS HEARD FROM AFAR."

I am sure Nehemiah felt that everything
was in order and that the people would
continue to obey God.
So he went back to his place with King Artaxerxes.

Neh. 13:6- After some time, he asked for a
leave from the king, to go back and check on his people.

What did he find?!
All kinds of regression into their former ways.

What a strong man and leader he was!

Verse 8 says he threw all of Tobiah's household
goods out of the room.
He reprimanded them,
warned them, commanded them,
contended with them,
and even struck some of then until
v.30-"I PURIFIED THEM FROM EVERYTHING
FOREIGN AND APPOINTED DUTIES FOR
THE PRIESTS AND THE LEVITES,
EACH IN HIS TASK."

What if a leader came and straightened
out the church of today?