Today we see
Nehemiah being lied to in hopes he would sin and get caught. How often does sin
- or someone with evil designs conspire against good people - against God's
people in this way. Nehemiah knew not to do what seemed the prudent thing, and
in so doing sin against the Lord God. We can only hope to be as discerning
through prayer and study - and goodly fellowship. The company we keep matters.
When things look bleak we need to be surrounded by folks who know enough to say
'lean not on your own understanding, but trust in the Lord.'
I am
reminded of Job's 'friends' who gave him such sage advice - and even his wife
who said 'curse God and die.' It seems to me that sometimes the advice we get
is for the advice givers good and not necessarily for our own - or toward
actions that bring God the glory.
Recently, I
had a car mishap, and it was late, I was tired, and needed to get home, and get
my two young passengers home. It was traumatic and stressful, yet my young
passengers knew enough to say "don't worry Aunt Maggie, it'll be OK."
And "Let's pray."
THIS advice
is good, useful and Godly advice. This advice gets us home. And in God's
company. So, like Nehemiah (and Job) let us not sin before God, let us thank
him in all circumstances - even in the middle of the mess.
Romans 15:33
May the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
Today’s readings: Psalm 80, Exodus 25, Nehemiah 6, Romans
15:14-33
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