Day 265

Nehemiah 5:14-19; 12:27-13:31; Malachi 1:1-2:9. “If You Can’t Beat Them… Infiltrate”

         “If you can’t beat them join them.”  This was apparently Tobiah’s motto.  Early in the book of Nehemiah we read of the opposition that had to be dealt with while the wall was being rebuilt.  That strong opposition came from two men, Tobiah and Sanballat.  The wall was rebuilt in spite of their constant resistance.  Yet, now Tobiah found an inside lead.
         Eliashib the priest had a close relationship with Tobiah, even by relation.  Not only had Tobiah been an opponent but he was also an Ammonite which meant he was never to be allowed in the Temple, but now he was living in one of the rooms in the Temple normally set aside to store tithes and other offerings. 
         And it shouldn’t come as a surprise that all this was done while Nehemiah was away.  We’ve read enough about Nehemiah and his “take charge” kind of attitude that it’s not surprising that when he showed up he “threw all of Tobiah’s things out.”
         Don’t let little things sneak into your life that have no place there.

General Questions for each day:
Summarize the day’s Bible passage in your own words.
What thoughts, actions, attitudes or beliefs are addressed in the passage?
How is the Holy Spirit leading you to apply this passage to your life today?