Does holiness matter?

Am I bothered about the holiness of others? Am I concerned about what people looking on see as they look at the peopel of God?

Nehemiah 13 is quiet striking. This last chapter of a book in which there has been so much success against adversity is one where rebuke is the theme. Even after so many successes, after so much achievement compromise and decline is what Nehemiah finds on his return to Jerusalem.

1. Our biggest danger – we think the battle is over
There are a number of compromises made in this chapter; Eliashib gives Tobiah (one of those who has opposed the rebuilding) a room in temple, the people fail to provide for the Levites, so temple cult fell into disuse, the people engage in trade and business on the Sabbath, and in mixed marriages (with a priest even marrying Sanballat's (another who has opposed the rebuilding) daughter.

You would think with all the opposition the people would have be determined not to make the same mistake as their forefathers. You would think they would be incredibly aware of the holiness of God having just experienced 70 years in exile. But the people are halfhearted in their worship of God, and its shown in their actions. Actions that say holiness doesn’t matter. , worship can be halfhearted.

I need to look at myself and ask the question, we may recognise that our deliverance and salvation is great but have I become too familiar with it? Do I take it for granted? Over familiarity shown in my actions. But a real desire for holiness, for God’s glory, is seen in right worship, joyful giving, and God honouring living in all of our lives.

2. The only remedy – a call to radical repentance
Confrontation is not popular today – we don’t want to offend anyone. But Nehemiah grasps that something radical needs to be done and he does it: he throws Tobiah out and has the room purified, he rebukes the leaders and nobles, bars gates so traders cannot get in, rebukes people, drives out Joiada, and purifies the priesthood.

In every case Nehemiah stands for what is right as rebukes and calls the people to radical repentance. He takes steps to stop compromise and halfheartedness.

Why? In every case there is a little interlude after action – (14, 22, 29). And what is striking is that Nehemiah wants to hear God’s well done. His actions are prompted by his love for God, his desire to see God's people worshipping a holy God properly.

Do God’s words matter? Our biggest danger is taking liberties with God and his word. The only response is repentance, not words but in radical actions. Nehemiah’s concern is for the people of God to be holy – do I mirror that concern? Would I consider giving warnings like these, using words like these and taking actions like these to spur others on to godliness? Nehemiah did because God’s holiness mattered and his holiness is revealed to others by the way his people live. Do I share that concern?