How can we apply Nehemiah 13:10 to prioritize God's work in our lives? Setting the Scene Nehemiah 13:10: “I also discovered that the portions assigned to the Levites had not been given to them, so that the Levites and singers who performed the service had gone back to their own fields.” Nehemiah returns to Jerusalem and finds God’s servants neglected, the temple ministries stalled, and spiritual life languishing. His response reveals practical steps for putting God’s work first in any generation. Recognize the Warning • Neglect of God’s provision for His servants leads to abandonment of God’s work. • When the Levites went back to their fields, worship and teaching ceased—showing how quickly spiritual priorities erode when material stewardship fails. • The root problem was forgetfulness of covenant duty (Numbers 18:21; Deuteronomy 12:19). Lessons for Today 1. Provide for God’s workers • 1 Timothy 5:17-18—“The laborer is worthy of his wages.” • Galatians 6:6—“The one who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor.” • Practical application – Budget first for ministry support before discretionary spending. – Give consistently rather than sporadically so servants of the gospel can stay focused on their calling. 2. Guard regular worship • Hebrews 10:25—meet together faithfully. • If our priorities or finances pull us away from gathered worship, we mirror the Levites forced from the temple. 3. Keep vows and commitments • Nehemiah 10:37-39 records Judah’s earlier promise to supply the Levites; chapter 13 shows they failed to follow through. • Evaluate: Are there pledges to missions, church giving, or service we have allowed to lapse? 4. Steward both time and resources • Matthew 6:33—“Seek first the kingdom of God.” • Reorder schedules so prayer, Scripture, fellowship, and witness receive first place, not leftover time. 5. Confront neglect quickly • Nehemiah acted immediately (Nehemiah 13:11-13). Delay deepens decline. • Application: When we notice drift—whether unpaid commitments or missed ministry opportunities—address it this week, not someday. Practical Steps for Prioritizing God’s Work • Review income and expenses; set aside the first portion for the Lord (Proverbs 3:9). • Automate giving where possible to remain faithful during busy seasons. • Identify gifted servants you can encourage—financially, with meals, or by assisting with practical needs (Philippians 4:14-17). • Schedule non-negotiable times for personal devotion and congregational service. • Teach children early that God’s work deserves the best, not the leftovers (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). • Regularly recount how God has provided, fueling gratitude and generosity (Psalm 103:2). Encouraging Promises • Malachi 3:10—God invites us to “test” Him in faithful giving and see the blessing poured out. • 2 Corinthians 9:8—He is able to make all grace abound so we have sufficiency for every good deed. • Haggai 1:7-8—When God’s house is honored, He honors His people. A Call to Action Nehemiah’s discovery confronts us with a choice: allow urgent earthly matters to draw us “back to our fields,” or reorder life so that God’s work flourishes. By placing Him first in finances, time, and energy, we echo Nehemiah’s restorative zeal and witness the revival that follows obedient priorities. |
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