Betrayal from Within (3/20/23)

Nehemiah 6:15-19

NEHEMIAH

4/2/2023

Image by Lisa Caroselli from Pixabay

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Read: Nehemiah 6:15-19 (AMP)
Biblical Lesson…

Trust is the continuing theme of this chapter. This passage continues with the concepts of how trustworthy and loyal God is to those who  put their faith in and obey Him versus those who put their faith and reliance upon man's plans and loyalty. Notice the Lord equipped Nehemiah to see the goodness of God and discern the hearts of man. Nehemiah recognized the betrayal from within and discerned the motive of the Judean nobles who aided Tobiah in his schemes of intimidation on Nehemiah.

This concept of trusting in God and not man is seen throughout the Bible. As God is omniscient and omnipresent, the Lord is trustworthy and loyal to those who call on Him and He is their helper at all times, especially when we seek to do what is holy and right in Jesus' name. The contrast of the goodness of God as opposed to the betrayal of man is seen throughout the Bible, consider the following:

  1. The rebellion of Aaron and Miriam against Moses (Numbers 12);

  2. Esther stepping forward to deal with Haman's plans (Esther 4-7);

  3. Peter's declaration of his loyalty to Jesus and his denials thereafter (Matthew 26:31-35, 69-75); and

  4. Jesus and Judas Iscariot (John 13, 18:1-11, Matthew 27:1-10).

Today's Version…

The choices we make influence our ability to trust. Have you put your trust in God, as stated in Proverbs 3:5-6? Do you seek the Lord's guidance? Have you ever thought that the Bible reveals God's answers to what you should choose to be right, just and holy? 

Have you put your trust in man, your education, etc.? Have you put your trust in some men or a man? Have you been betrayed? Have you betrayed others? What does it look like in the public realm? How do others act individually when they hear God's truth? How do you act?

What to do…

This week may be eye-opening for you.  Here are some steps you can take:

  1. Memorize Proverbs 3:5-6 and make it into a prayer in which you seek God's guidance throughout the day.

  2. Journal your thoughts on the questions above. Distinguish between facts and feelings.

  3. Maybe there has been an issue on your mind, if so, see if the Bible gives you advice about it.