Nehemiah continues with his story of the restoration of the physical and spiritual health of the city of Jerusalem and the exiled peopled. After the walls and gates are repaired, the city is dedicated to the Lord. Nehemiah goes on to institute a few more reforms, and it seems like things will be in order for at least a while.
In the meantime, Paul is giving advice about dos-and-don’ts. These pieces of advice are even to this day sometimes given more importance than Paul probably intended, and unfortunately, many a church in modern times has been caught up and wrapped up in the legalism that may arise out of these topics.
My personal view is that what one wears on one’s head or body is of no consequence to one’s state of mind or soul, and God is not so petty as to judge us based on our outward appearance. If I were to write a letter to a group of believers like Paul did to this group in Corinth, that is just what I would say.
Turning now to our psalm for the day, we find David, the warrior-poet-king, asking for the Lord’s help. May it be that like David, we also will have the same confidence to echo his words:
1 Contend, LORD, with those who contend with me;
fight against those who fight against me. 2 Take up shield and armor;
arise and come to my aid. 3 Brandish spear and javelin
against those who pursue me. Say to me,
“I am your salvation.”
Finally, a verse from the book of Proverbs that reminds us to practice moderation in our pursuit of physical pleasures:
17 Whoever loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and olive oil will never be rich.
May God bless the reading and reflection of His Word.
