Decisive Deception

“Also the sons of Hassenaah built the Fish Gate; they laid its beams and hung its doors with its bolts and bars. And next to them Meremoth the son of Urijah, the son of Koz, made repairs. Next to them Meshullam the son of Berechiah, the son of Meshezabel, made repairs. Next to them Zadok the son of Baana made repairs. Next to them the Tekoites made repairs, but their nobles did not put their shoulders to the work of their Lord.” ‭‭Nehemiah‬ ‭3:3-5‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ http://bible.com/114/neh.3.3-5.nkjv
The call to service of the Lord from Nehemiah received impressive dedication by the Jews, the priests, the rulers, and the general common men. Eliashib the high priest led the group of priests to build the sheep gate, while the sons of Hassenaah preferred to harmonize their leadership skills towards the building of the fish gate without competition for a leadership position. Irrespective of the diversity of the scale of work, from the building of new facilities to the repair of existing structures, there appeared to be enormous work for the willing minds. Unfortunately, the nobles of Tekoa segregated themselves from their brethren for no justifiable reason. Apparently, they decided to dedicate their services at this material time to a deceptive cause, other than the work of their Lord. It is easy for anyone to quickly condemn their action with "their shoulder", without reflecting on the sense of attraction in the expression "their nobles...their Lord". While their action is decisive; it appears to be unintentionally influenced by deception. Likewise, in spite of our relationship with the Lord, the dedication of our times in life represents an accountable responsibility before the Lord. May we not be deceived by position or pride, and decide to opt out from a solemn call of duty in Jesus name.

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