Nehemiah 10:39 - Homiletics

Cleaving to the house of God.

"We will not forsake the house of our God." Introduce, by reference to the context—

I. THE PLACE . "The house of our God." The temple thus designated in a sense quite peculiar. In a deeper sense, however, the Christian Church is God's house, and each member of it ( 1 Corinthians 3:16 ; 1 Corinthians 6:19 ; Ephesians 2:21 , Ephesians 2:22 ; 1 Timothy 4:15 ). In a lower sense, the name may be given to buildings set apart for Christian worship. In the Old Testament seems to be used of synagogues ( Ecclesiastes 5:1 ). Such buildings may be called houses of God because—

1. Devoted specially to him. There is a sense in which all buildings should be devoted to God (motto over the Royal Exchange); but the meeting-houses of the Church are peculiarly consecrated to him, his worship; the publication of his great name, his laws, invitations, promises, threatenings; endeavours to promote his kingdom. Yet places of worship are not always devoted to God, and never perfectly.

2. Blessed and honoured by him. By his presence, and gracious operations, in the enlightenment, conversion, sanctification, consoling, strengthening, etc. of the worshippers. God's works in the sanctuary are amongst his greatest and best—better than the turning of the material chaos into κοσμός .

II. THE RESOLVE RESPECTING IT . "We will not forsake," etc. (see also Nehemiah 13:10 , Nehemiah 13:11 ). The declaration means more than it expresses. It is equivalent to saying, "We will interest ourselves in it, support it, promote its prosperity."

1. By our gifts. The main point here. See preceding verses.

2. By attendance on its services.

Temptations in the present day to a total or partial neglect of public worship, or a wandering which is almost as injurious. Temptations from unbelief, worldliness, perpetual or occasional want of interest in the services, poverty, even sorrow.

3. By effort and prayer for its prosperity.

III. REASONS FOR MAKING IT OUR OWN .

1. Because it is God's house—"the house of our God."

2. Because of the pleasure to be there enjoyed.

3. Because of the profit to be there gained.

4. Because of attachment to the people who meet there.

5. Because of the good of others which is there promoted. The highest welfare of individuals and of society is bound up with the maintenance of public Christian worship and instruction.

6. Because of what has been already expended upon it. Love, zeal, contributions, work. They who have done most for their place of worship will be most attached to it. Let the young make and keep this resolution. Especially let those who have left home and the minister and friends of their early life be careful not to forsake the house of God. They will thus be preserved from temptation, secure new friendships helpful to their character and happiness, and, if sincere in their worship, the guidance and blessing of God, and eternal salvation.