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Topic: Can You Be Trusted?
[DCLM Daily Manna 3 February 2020 Daily Devotional by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi]
Text: Nehemiah 7:1-4
1 Now it came to pass, when the wall was built, and I had set up the doors, and the porters and the singers and the Levites were appointed,
2 That I gave my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the ruler of the palace, charge over Jerusalem: for he was a faithful man, and feared God above many.
3 And I said unto them, Let not the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun be hot; and while they stand by, let them shut the doors, and bar them: and appoint watches of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, every one in his watch, and every one to be over against his house.
4 Now the city was large and great: but the people were few therein, and the houses were not builded.
Key Verse: “That I gave my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the ruler of the palace, charge over Jerusalem: for he was a faithful man, and feared God above many.” – (Nehemiah 7:2)
MESSAGE:
A Christian man set up a business in his country and handed over its management to a believer. Six months after, the believer paid back the original capital to the owner of the business. The Christian-owner was excited that the manager had made a lot of gains. To his surprise, however, the man who was supposed to be his manager said, “I have paid you back your capital. Now, I am the owner.” It turned out that the manager had changed all the papers and converted the business to himself.
Nehemiah, in our text, set up doors and appointed porters, singers and the Levites into respective positions. More significantly, he gave his brother, Hanani, charge over Jerusalem. The decision was not based on affinity but on faithfulness. He also entrusted the city to Hananiah whom he described as a faithful man that feared God greatly. Hananiah was already the ruler of the palace and the testimony of Nehemiah shows that he was faithful in the first task.
Desiring to serve God as a worker in His vineyard is a noble one indeed. But qualities such as fear of God and faithfulness should be the basis on which such workers are selected. The essence of a good selection process is to ensure that genuine and committed people whose desire is to serve the Lord with sincerity are there. It is unfortunate that a number of Christians today cannot be trusted. They cannot keep watch over money, car, children or property. Those to whom the assets of the ministry are committed must exercise due diligence to ensure their security and safety.
Can you be trusted today? As a minister, do members of your congregation trust you? As a believer, can people keep their money or valuable asset with you and feel safe? Be careful, God watches everyone’s faithfulness or otherwise. Be a shining light in the midst of darkness.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Carelessness over God’s assets will not go unpunished.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Matthew 12-13
