Vision
or Di-Vision
Scripture
Text: Nehemiah
5: 1-13
When
Division Got Involved:
I
like the play of words in the title for this week's devotional.
Thinking deeper into it, I realise how true it is that: when
we lose the vision
for God, it results in division.
When we examine the Bible, many incidents from the time of Adam
and Eve to even some of the modern day parables in the New Testament
point to the evidence of this truth. In our personal lives, division(quarrels
and bickering) in the family results, when we lose vision of the
marriage vows we made in the presence of God, division among our
friends takes place as a result of 'not loving others as we love
ourselves' and division in our relationship with God is a consequence
of our 'busy-ness', when we lose sight of Him.
In
the life of Nehemiah, we see a man who had the key factor (or ‘X’
factor) that made him stand above the men of Judah. He had a love
for God that was synonymous with the fear of God. (Neh 5: 9, 15).
What is the fear of God? It is the reverence for God. If a person
truly and genuinely honors God, his eyes will be filled with the
heavenly vision and his mind would be guided by spiritual insight.
While re-building the walls of Jericho, news came to him that his
brethren were oppressed by the nobles and rulers. This made Nehemiah
very angry as it was causing division among the people.
How
did Nehemiah Grapple with the Great Divide?
(i)
In Confronting their sins: (v.1-9)
Nehemiah
dealt with the injustice that befell among his own people that caused
the great divide. He went straight to those causing the offence
which is a Biblical approach.
(ii)
In Confessing his own sin:
Nehemiah
realised that he too had sinned by lending people money and grain.
He confessed his sin to put matters right.
This
caused the nobles and rulers to repent and help unite the people
together once again and look forward to the vision that was given
to Nehemiah by God.
Do we have the fear of God in our lives?
How
do we live our lives – for ourselves or for the Lord? Do we
confront sin and handle conflicts in a godly manner. In Eph 4:26-27
it is written ‘In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun
go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.’
Are we willing to forgive or do we keep the anger in our hearts?
Consider the best way to handle the situation and do not fly off
the handle. Handle the problem ‘head-on’, using God’s
Word as your authority and guide.
Prayer
Response
Lord,
help me live a life that is pleasing to you. Let me walk in the
fear of You, Lord. If there is any injustice I see, help me put
it right with your strength, not my own. Thank you for letting me
see that if I lose vision
of You, I will cause a division.
Help me work together as a family with my brothers in Christ. Amen