Neh 13:31 | KingComments | STEP | Nehemiah is not just busy with getting rid of the wrong. Surely this is necessary, but after this it is necessary to fill the vacant space with the good. Nehemiah purifies the Levites. In this he is a picture of the Lord Jesus ( ). He then appoints each one to the task that is to be performed. Criticism of certain things in the church can be justified and necessary. But it should never happen from the sidelines. Real commitment from the things that are not good will manifest itself in a commitment to follow God’s instructions again. These last acts we read of Nehemiah have to do with the service in the house of God. He makes sure that priests and Levites can do the work expected of them again. In veiled terms he involves all the people, for he also arranges the supply of wood ( ) and the first fruits ( ). He knows that the result is for the glory of God. As far as the acts of Nehemiah are concerned, this is a beautiful and fitting ending of this book. He has done it all for God’s glory. We see Nehemiah working to the very end to motivate others to do the work according to their position and competence. Such motivating people are needed today as well. The motive for his service is to serve and please his God. He has set a vivid example of leadership as God desires. The book ends with a prayer from Nehemiah ( ). The book also begins with a praying Nehemiah. In this fascinating book we have read the memoirs of this active man of God. Now he asks if God wants to remember him. This is not pride, but humility. He commends his work to God. He gives it to Him to judge and trusts in His goodness. Nehemiah is totally dependent on God, on God’s thinking, because God’s thinking is doing. Nehemiah has shown that his life’s work could only take place under constant prayer. He prayed and built the wall and people’s lives. He has also prayed while building for all kinds of people and things. He prays, while building, and builds, while praying. Therefore the Lord Jesus tell His disciples, and us, that “at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart” ( ).

‏ Nehemiah 13:31

Purification and Restoration and Final Prayer

Nehemiah is not just busy with getting rid of the wrong. Surely this is necessary, but after this it is necessary to fill the vacant space with the good. Nehemiah purifies the Levites. In this he is a picture of the Lord Jesus (Mal 3:3). He then appoints each one to the task that is to be performed.

Criticism of certain things in the church can be justified and necessary. But it should never happen from the sidelines. Real commitment from the things that are not good will manifest itself in a commitment to follow God’s instructions again.

These last acts we read of Nehemiah have to do with the service in the house of God. He makes sure that priests and Levites can do the work expected of them again. In veiled terms he involves all the people, for he also arranges the supply of wood (Neh 10:34) and the first fruits (Neh 10:35-37). He knows that the result is for the glory of God. As far as the acts of Nehemiah are concerned, this is a beautiful and fitting ending of this book. He has done it all for God’s glory.

We see Nehemiah working to the very end to motivate others to do the work according to their position and competence. Such motivating people are needed today as well. The motive for his service is to serve and please his God. He has set a vivid example of leadership as God desires.

The book ends with a prayer from Nehemiah (Neh 13:31b). The book also begins with a praying Nehemiah. In this fascinating book we have read the memoirs of this active man of God. Now he asks if God wants to remember him. This is not pride, but humility. He commends his work to God. He gives it to Him to judge and trusts in His goodness. Nehemiah is totally dependent on God, on God’s thinking, because God’s thinking is doing.

Nehemiah has shown that his life’s work could only take place under constant prayer. He prayed and built the wall and people’s lives. He has also prayed while building for all kinds of people and things. He prays, while building, and builds, while praying. Therefore the Lord Jesus tell His disciples, and us, that “at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart” (Lk 18:1).