SEPTEMBER 22, DAY 265. THE BIBLE IN 365 DAYS WITH MISS OLUWATOYIN EMIOLA OJO COMMENTARY AND SUMMARY TAKEN FROM THE BOOKS OF NEHEMIAH AND MALACHI.
TITLE: TEA OR COFFEE
This question is as vital to the Israelites on the road, as it is in our everyday life, work and social context. It is courtesy and a declaration of peace. It is a blessing witnessed by heaven when done; for or by a believer.
Nehemiah Chapter 1227-47
The Newly Built Wall of Jerusalem Dedicated
Nehemiah ensured all Levites from far and near were present to celebrate he also organised the choir to sing and give thanks, Jezrahiah was the Choir Director (v.42)
“And on that day they offered great sacrifices, rejoicing because God had given them great joy. The women and children also rejoiced. The sound of rejoicing in Jerusalem could be heard far away.” V.43.
MUSIC, MUSICIANS AND THEIR DIRECTORS
Recall that David established the office of the Music director and Asaph had a lead role during his reign, they are (see May 4, Day 123, or 1Chronicles chapter 25).
Zerubbabel and Nehemiah followed in their footsteps, and together with the Israelites performed the set obligations. Contributing (Daily Contributions, First Fruits and Tithes) for the musicians, gatekeepers; and gave of that; what belongs to the Levites and the descendants of Aaron who were among them.
NEHEMIAH CHAPTER 131-6a, 516-19, 136b-31
PLEASANTRIES, & Water, TEA OR COFFEE
In the course of the celebration, the book of Moses was read to the hearing of the people and they found the hostility of the Ammonites and the Moabites who refused to give them food or water during their journey to the promised land, but hired Balaam to curse them which the LORD turned into a blessing (see March 6, Day 65, The book of Numbers 22-). Therefore from that day, they were excluded from Israel (Read 13:2-3).
See; Proverbs 29:8 "Scornful men bring a city into a snare: but wise men turn away wrath."
Proverbs 15:1 "A soft answer turns away wrath."
I often forget to offer Tea/Coffee to my guest/my visitors I often start off with the purpose of the visit, and then remember midway into the conversation. But we should prioritise this show of grace every time. Perhaps you have a nature like mine this calls for a change, be more conscientious. A calm start could ease off a threat.
THE HYPOCRISY OF ELIASHIB.
In Nehemiah’s absence, Eliashib gave a large storeroom in the House Of The LORD to Tobiah❕ He was very upset as he returned to Jerusalem to see this. He removed all that belonged to Tobiah and ordered the purification of the rooms and rearranged the items belonging to the LORD into them.
The Levites had also left the house of the LORD as they were not provided for - they were neglected.
“So I rebuked the officials and asked them, ‘Why is the house of God neglected?’ Then I called them together and stationed them at their post.” V.11.
During this time Nehemiah also appointed new leaders ( Read v.12-14 ).
KEEP THE SABBATH DAY HOLY -
Nehemiah stopped traders from coming to the temple for commerce; he in fact threatened to arrest them (read v.20-21).
WHAT LANGUAGES DO YOU SPEAK?❕ Due to the idolatry of the surrounding nations, in Israel the language of Judah was the only right language to speak. But many Intermarried with Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab defiling the people of God, and their children fell victims of the hostile environment (some spoke only the language of Ashdod though they live in Judah) – Nehemiah vehemently opposed, rebuked, and disengaged all those marriages. This is because it was marriage with foreign women that led to the sin (Idolatry) of King Solomon. (Read v.26-).
Sadly the things that unsettle us as
21st Century believers have
no eternal value.
V.30-31 – Nehemiah “..purified all the priests and the Levites of everything foreign.” And he ensured they had their stipulated dues accordingly."
In this era immigration is very orderly, some have to do language test, speaking and hearing skills to eliminate office and ease integration. There are also language apps. However you may have to deal with the cadence of the language; this goes to tell us we have a lot to do as believers - Love is the true language of humanity. If at any point in life you feel confronted, resort to prayers and love.
MALACHI CHAPTER 11-14
This chapter begins the messages of the Prophet Malachi;
The LOVE OF God for Jacob, being a divine choice; and God's hate for Edom declared.
“…. Yet I have loved Jacob, but Esau I have hated.” (extracts from v.2-3).
v.6-14 – I Am A Great king deserving a great offering declares the LORD.
The LORD rebuked the people as they keep for themselves healthy livestock and bring diseased/lame ones to the LORD as offerings or sacrifices.
“‘Cursed is the cheat who has an acceptable male in his flock and vows to give it, but then sacrifices a blemished animal to the Lord. For I am a great king,’ says the LORD Almighty, ‘and my name is to be feared among the nations’” v.14.
A WARNING to avert curses on blessings and restore the covenant of life ... made for priesthood. Sadly contrary to what scriptural teachings of the ministers should do, their teaching has caused many to stumble.
"For the lips of a priest ought to preserve knowledge, because he is the messenger of the LORD Almighty and people seek instruction from his mouth. But you have turned from the way and by your teaching have caused many to stumble; you have violated the covenant with Levi" v.7-8.
NIGHT:
Like Nehemiah like Jesus!
- Read Matthew 21:12-13, Mark 11:15-19, and see how Jesus forced singleness of purpose into the church. And that was centuries after Nehemiah did.
- Hospitality and generosity for some; it’s a grace – a spiritual gift. While for others it’s an act to learn. Let’s do this with genuine intentions. Romans 128,13
“it is written my house shall be called a house of prayer..” Matthew 2113
To support this year's programme send your cheques to:
Mrs. Oluwatoyin Dolapo
147, Briercliffe Road BB101XA Burnley
Lancashire. England, United Kingdom
Or
Search Paypal for Ms. Oluwatoyin Emiola Dolapo / oluwatoyinemiola@icloud.com / 07460778041.
Warmth
Toyin
Ref:
The One Year Chronological Bible
The Holy Bible King James Version.
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Comments (1)
What we offer God, and how we treat the things of God matter.
Do you keep your offering in a good envelope or squeezed envelope? Or you don't even have envelopes, why don't you buy a pack of envelopes. Though some churches provide some, be prepared, always get your offerings ready before you leave the house for the Church.
Do you give the dirty notes to the Almighty God?
In what other ways can your giving to the Almighty God be more honouring?
kindest regards