Read Nehemiah 13
And I made treasurers over the treasuries, Shelemiah the priest, and Zadok the scribe, and of the Levites, Pedaiah: and next to them was Hanan the son of Zaccur, the son of Mattaniah: for they were counted faithful, and their office was to distribute unto their brethren - (Neh. 13:13).
Many offices had not been filled during the time of captivity. The Levites had been scattered everywhere. There would have been no one to serve even if things had been operating normally. That is why they had searched for the Levites to bring them home to Jerusalem.
Concerning the office of the treasurers, the Temple was destroyed and the Levites all but gone. There was probably very little need for a treasurer even if someone would have been around worthy to fill the office. The temple treasurer had been taken by Nebuchadnezzar when Babylon captured Israel.
It had to have been considered a great honor by these men to be selected for these positions. There was significant responsibility that came along with these offices. The Bible even records that the fact these men were found to be faithful was the reason they were found worthy to serve in this capacity. One day at the end of life's journey, all those deemed faithful will receive the ultimate reward. His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord (Matt. 25:23).
Depending on the person's ability to handle responsibility, sometimes the task can be great or small. Individuals, churches and businesses many times place people in offices who are not yet proven faithful. Sometimes this happens because of personal relationships or because the person "looks" the part. Sometimes this ends in a bad situation. Using godly wisdom, a believer can avoid this pitfall. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him (James 1:5).
Therefore, let us all who are believers pray to be counted faithful to serve the Lord. Is there a greater honor in life than to be chosen by God to work to build His kingdom? Most will agree the answer is that there is no greater honor. Are you being faithful to the call of God?
These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for He is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with Him are called, and chosen, and faithful (Rev. 17:14).
Thought for Today:
We need to be nonconformists like Nehemiah, Daniel, Peter, and Paul.
Word Studies:
13:17 contended with, confronted, rebuked; 13:26 outlandish, foreign idol worshiper; 13:30 strangers, idol-worshiping foreigners; wards of, duties for.
Christ Revealed:
By Nehemiah who cleansed the priests and Levites and defined their duties (Neh. 13:30). Christ cleanses us from all our sins when we confess them (1 John 1:9). Through Him we have been made a royal priesthood to serve the Lord (1 Pet. 2:9).
Prayer Suggestion: Ask God to show you His ways (Ex. 33:13).
Optional Reading: 2 Corinthians 13
Memory Verse for the Week: Ecclesiastes 5:4
