We have often heard the popular phrase, never forget history. This does not mean that we are trapped in an attempt to romanticize the past, but rather by reminding history that there are meaningful lessons that we can learn from past events as provisions to welcome and prepare for life in the future. This is what Nehemiah did as a leader of the people. He invited the Jews to look at the history of their ancestors who often failed to maintain God's decrees and even did the opposite. This is the problem that Nehemiah highlights in our reading this time.

The three main problems faced by Nehemiah were violating the Sabbath, neglecting to support God's service, and intermarriage with pagan nations. These three actions represent the human tendency to compromise with worldly comforts. However, what shook Nehemiah the most at that time was the problem of the personal relationships of the people. There had been intermarriage with other nations. Marriages with women from Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab were not just a matter of nationality. The danger being highlighted is about the mixing of values, and hearts that slowly turn away from God towards foreign gods.

The danger of mixed marriages in this context is the infiltration of cultures and beliefs that are contrary to the faith of Israel. Children born from such marriages cannot even speak Hebrew, a symbol of the loss of faith identity. Language is not just a means of communication; it is a bridge that connects generations to the traditions, laws, and stories of God's salvation. When the language of faith is lost, the knowledge of God fades. This is a relevant warning for us: when the values ​​of the world are heard more than the word of God, we gradually lose the spiritual language that binds us to Him.

Nehemiah's harsh reaction, scolding, even expelling those who desecrate holiness. This may seem extreme, but behind that action is the anxiety of a shepherd who sees his sheep walking towards the abyss. This is not just about anger, but love, which refuses to remain silent when the people are destroyed. In the end, the cry "O my God, remember me, for my good!" becomes a heartbreaking conclusion. Nehemiah did not seek human recognition. He realized that sincere service is only meaningful if it is remembered by God. In that prayer, there is humility and hope that all his hard work, even though it seems in vain in the eyes of humans, will not be forgotten by the just God.

Bible friends, in our journey of faith, how many times have we slipped into the same sins that we once left behind? Isn't it true that throughout the life we ​​have lived, there have been times when we wavered and fell. These events should have made us more mature and more determined to reject temptation. Unfortunately, we often become like the Israelites, we forget all the lessons of the past and instead fall into the same mistakes. We are lulled by all the busyness and various temptations of the world. We may not literally marry a stranger, but don't we often ally ourselves with worldly views that can damage our relationship with God?

Ultimately, the struggle of faith is a never-ending process. One of the things that is worth fighting for in that process is maintaining holiness. Nehemiah reminds us of the importance of maintaining holiness. His firmness invites us not to compromise with sin. However, most profound of all is the call to care for the legacy of the faith. Don't let future generations lose their "language of Judah"—the language of faith that connects them to the living God. Spiritual education, living examples, and prayer are the bridge that binds the current generation to God's grace.