Scattered or Gathered?

Dear class,

Today's readings are taken from Nehemiah 1-3 and Revelation 15.

In Nehemiah, we read of how Nehemiah set out to restore Jerusalem.
It seems that the people have not learnt! Previously it had to do with the restoration of the temple. (c.f. Haggai 1) Now the people displayed the same indolence and apathy with the rebuilding of Jerusalem. The result is a motly crew looking each one only of his own with no part with God's law.

Brethren we too can fall in a state of being scattered. As the Chinese put it - like a pan of loose sand. With no form and strength.
The cause? - v. 7 tells us it was simply because the people had neglected the commandments of God.
If we deny God and His Word, He will deny us! (2Ti 2:12) The result is separation and susceptibility to attack. The herd that stays together will ward of the most vicious predator. And the predator knows a scattered flock is easy prey.

Conversely, if we were to turn back to God and keep His commandments, God has promised us to gather together in a common dwelling place and in the NT context, in Christ Jesus.
We talked about this briefly in class - God will provide! Regardless of how far flung a soul may be, how "impossible" it seems for the Word to reach the remotest areas. Where there are willing souls, God will provide the means. For the members in the body, it remains for us to continually recognise the fact that we are all members one of another (Rom 12:5; Eph 4:25) fitly joined together (Eph 4:16), bonded together in love (Col 3:14).

With so many examples before us, we certainly have little excuse not to be gathered and remain so in the fold of God.
The Lord help us to take heed and continually study to put God's Word in our hearts.

The Lord bless our day ahead.

in Him
Paul

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But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13
Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. ~ Acts 10:34,35