I think that maintaining a close relationship

for a long time was itself a problem.

When Nehemiah was not in Jerusalem, Tobiah, an adversary of Israel,

was using a large room designated for storing offerings—

grain, incense, temple utensils, tithes of grain, new wine,

and olive oil for the Levites, singers, and gatekeepers.

This room was managed by Eliashib,

the priest in charge of the storerooms of the temple,

who had maintained a close relationship with Tobiah for some time.

Upon Nehemiah's return to Jerusalem,

he discovered that Eliashib had provided Tobiah

with this room in the house of God.

Nehemiah was unable to contain his anger.

He threw all of Tobiah's belongings out of the room,

commanded it to be purified, and then brought back

the temple utensils, grain offerings, and incense.

(Ref.: Nehemiah 13:4-9).

When I reflect on this passage, I believe that Priest Eliashib

should have severed his relationship with Tobiah,

who was an adversary of Israel

(or he should have separated himself from Tobiah).

The fact that Eliashib maintained a close relationship

with Tobiah for a long time was itself the problem.

Because Eliashib did not do this, he eventually ended up

allowing Tobiah to use and occupy the large room.

How could Eliashib enable Israel's adversary to use that large room?

This is akin to a pastor inviting Satan's servant into our church.

What would Satan's servant do inside our church as a result?

Therefore, like Nehemiah, we must not contain our anger.

We should drive out Satan's servant from our church,

throw out all their belongings,

and repent to purify our hearts and our church.