‘I immediately confronted the leaders and demanded, “Why has the Temple of God been neglected?”’ (Nehemiah 13:11 NLT).
After Nehemiah completed the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem, he was recalled by King Artaxerxes. When he obtained leave from the king and returned to Jerusalem, he found that those he had left in charge had not kept their promise to support the house of God. Many of its priests and musicians had left the ministry and returned to their lands to farm, in order to support their families. The tithes and offerings were not being given, the ministry was in decline and even the newly rebuilt Temple was already showing signs of neglect. Nehemiah couldn’t believe how quickly the people had forsaken the house of God. So he led in rebuilding the ministry of God’s house.
The same question might be posed of believers today, “Why is the house of God neglected?” Where are the faithful ones? Where are the people of God who will pray and give sacrificially to continue the ministry of God’s house?
Today, the people of God are God’s house. We are His Church. Christ has been called to the Father’s right hand. Yet, one day He will return. Will Jesus ask, “Why has My house, My Church been neglected?” For those who neglect the fellowship of the saints, have neglected God’s house.
As the book of Hebrews instructs us, “Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Heb. 10:25).
PRAYER: Dear Father, we are Your house. Your Son is the Chief Cornerstone and we are its living stones, being built up into a spiritual house. Forgive us where we have neglected Your ministry and where we have forsaken our first love, Jesus Christ. Strengthen us by Your Spirit this day to be faithful and to do the work You have called us to do. In Jesus’ name, amen.