I remember writing a blog some time ago, titled "Keep Your Friends Close, Enemies Closer." It was about David's kindness to Mephibosheth from 2 Samuel. The thing to remember is that keeping them closer is with the hopes of knowing their strategy against you, if they have one, and to maybe open their hearts and minds to another way of being through love and generosity. However, the point is not to let them run you over, control your life, or change your heart and mind. If mingling with the adversary means that you are going to allow a change in your lifestyle so that God is not honored, that His will is not followed, then you probably should really look at the people you are associating with.
Eliashib, the high priest has given space in the temple courts to the adversary, Tobiah, to live. Tobiah is not a priest. He doesn't appear to be a Levite. Tobiah does everything in his power to thwart the attempts to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem. Yet, he is so close that it is apparent that at least he knows about keeping your friends close and enemies closer. The Israelites, it appears, are still straying. They are not keeping the Sabbath! In fact, they are profaning it.
But, God has sent Nehemiah, to remind them and, with a firm voice and hand, to guide them in the way that they should be going. In the end, God's will is done. But, by compromising with the adversary, all could have been lost.
The safest way to know God's will is to actually read the Holy Scriptures. Whenever the priests or prophets would read the scriptures, the hearts of the people would turn once again to God. If you're going to consort with the enemy, it's kind of good - actually, it is necessary - to know God's will and that, my friend, comes from His Word. Stand firm. Be strong in the LORD. Take up the sword of the Spirit, which is His Word. (Eph 6:17)
God's Peace - Pr. J
Eliashib, the high priest has given space in the temple courts to the adversary, Tobiah, to live. Tobiah is not a priest. He doesn't appear to be a Levite. Tobiah does everything in his power to thwart the attempts to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem. Yet, he is so close that it is apparent that at least he knows about keeping your friends close and enemies closer. The Israelites, it appears, are still straying. They are not keeping the Sabbath! In fact, they are profaning it.
But, God has sent Nehemiah, to remind them and, with a firm voice and hand, to guide them in the way that they should be going. In the end, God's will is done. But, by compromising with the adversary, all could have been lost.
The safest way to know God's will is to actually read the Holy Scriptures. Whenever the priests or prophets would read the scriptures, the hearts of the people would turn once again to God. If you're going to consort with the enemy, it's kind of good - actually, it is necessary - to know God's will and that, my friend, comes from His Word. Stand firm. Be strong in the LORD. Take up the sword of the Spirit, which is His Word. (Eph 6:17)
God's Peace - Pr. J
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