The Shortest Man Mentioned in the Bible

Scheduled Reading: 
Nehemiah 12:27-13:31; Psalm 102:22-28; Proverbs 21:2-4; Romans 7:1-25

Selected Passage: Nehemiah 13

We close out the book in the Old Testament written by the shortest man named in the Bible. Very few people realize that the author of this book of the Bible holds that distinction. My father-in-law, Larson Edge is the man who pointed that out to me. In fact, his very name tells the tale: Nehemiah - or transliterated: "Knee-High-Miah". 

My father-in-law is a good man with a sense of humor I have grown to appreciate. This is one of his favorite jokes. I have resisted the urge to share it here for many days now. And alas, here we are at the end of the the book, and I can resist no longer. I hope you can forgive me.

I looks like I am living out our Romans passage right before your eyes (with a wink). The evil I know I shouldn't be doing, this I do anyway! All kidding aside, I appreciate the Romans passage. It is comforting to me to hear Paul - author of most of the New Testament - confess his struggle with the evil desires at war within himself.

but with the comfort comes a curse - I am tempted to relax my guard, knowing that this is a plight all Christians face... "don't beat yourself up too hard, Tom" I can hear myself think. If I'm not careful, I will justify my actions or attitudes and slip right off into carnality. No, this passage is meant to warn not comfort. Jesus may have paid the penalty for my sin, but I am still a sorry sinner. To the degree I allow sin to reign in my mortal body, to that same degree I divert the power of God in my life.