The Daily Word: Tuesday, August 17th, 2021
Nehemiah 12:27-13:31
1 Corinthians 11:1-16
Psalm 35:1-16
Proverbs 21:17-18
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Commentary from Pastor Michael White:
“Then the priests and Levites purified themselves, and purified the people, the gates, and the wall.” – Neh. 12:30
This was a momentous occasion in Israel’s history. Nehemiah and a group of God’s people had returned from exile in Babylon. Their task had been to rebuild the wall at Jerusalem, and they had finally finished the work! So priests and Levites came from all around to “celebrate…with gladness, both with thanksgivings and singing” (v 27). But notice what had to happen before the celebration began: “The priests and Levites [first] purified themselves; and [then they] purified the people, the gates, and the wall” (v 30).
Do you want the people around you to be “purified”: overcome by a genuine and lasting love for Jesus that will change every fiber of their being? Start by purifying yourself. Set an example in your own life so that other people can follow suit! It is easy to point a finger at other people or organizations and declare they should be better, holier, and more devoted to God. But the real work comes when you examine yourself and ask God to change you!
What kind of change do you want to see in this world? Start by asking God to do it in you, and then invite other people to follow your example.
Prayer:
Jesus, I am so grateful for the way You have purified me. You have redeemed me! You have made me whole. And now I get to go out and be an example to people all around me of what a life changed by the blood of Jesus really looks like. Whenever I want to see change around me, I know I have to ask You to do it in me first, in Jesus’ name!
© Michael D. White, 2021. All rights reserved.