I also learned that the portions assigned to the Levites had not been given to them, and that all the Levites and singers responsible for the service had gone back to their own fields. (Neh. 13:10)
A FEW DAYS BEFORE my fiftieth birthday, my family headed to church for our regular small group meeting. When we pulled into the parking lot I saw a lot of cars. I couldn’t figure out why so many cars would be there. Perhaps the volleyball people were there to play.
I went into the church and found the lights off in the fellowship hall where we were supposed to meet. I couldn’t understand why that would be. It was obvious others had gotten there before us; why wouldn’t they have turned on the lights? I walked into the room to turn on the lights and 120 voices yelled “Surprise!” My family had planned (and pulled off) a complete surprise for me. I had drawn the conclusion that there would be no party for me that year. But I was wrong!
Nehemiah could have jumped to conclusions that the singers and Levites were gone because they had lost interest in serving in the temple. However, that would have been completely wrong. Instead Nehemiah asked questions to find out what really was going on, and he was able to draw correct conclusions.
Without the right information to inform us, the conclusions we draw could easily be faulty. Rather than just react to situations, faithful students are willing to ask questions in order to learn the truth.
Ask questions today to clarify a life issue.
Annie Wamberg is a recent empty-nester. She is enjoying the quiet as well as gardening and traveling.
