An important part of the restoration and revival that God brought to Israel under the ministry of Nehemiah was a fresh focus on worshipping and serving God. During the Old Testament era, the work of the Levites, or priests, in the temple of God was essential.

Because of unfaithfulness and corruption, support for the Levites was neglected and people like Tobiah were allowed to use the Temple of God for personal gain.

When Nehemiah saw this, he immediately threw Tobiah, his "crew," and all his stuff out of the Temple! (v. 8) He brought the Levites back in and commanded the people to resume bringing tithes that provided support for the Levites and their families.

In our day, there are times when we need to "clean house" as well. Together, we are the Body of Christ and God's Temple. Our "Tobiahs" look like disobedience, selfishness, stinginess, and other behaviors that are beneath our higher calling in Jesus Christ.

(Previous Insight and Inspiration posts available at http://www.bryanhudson.com)