Main Point and Overview:
Why would God put such an “unusual” story in the middle of the “walls project” in Jerusalem, led by Nehemiah? Perhaps it’s because what was actually “broken” in Israel was much deeper than physical walls. Sure…the walls represented protection and prosperity, but the people had even bigger problems. They had allowed syncretism to invade their land as they “mixed” worship of Yahweh with that of foreign gods. As a result, they had drifted away from the Mosaic Law, allowing themselves to become more like the culture. One such reality of this was that they began to use their power and position to take advantage of the poor. Instead of caring for their fellow underprivileged Israelites, they “robbed” them to make themselves rich. Instead of giving with a heart of generosity to help people, they charged them interest, leading to even deeper poverty for the people. When Nehemiah realized this, he DID SOMETHING about it! He confronted those in leadership who were abusing the poor, and he set in order a new plan that would honor God and help the poor. What’s interesting is that as we tackle challenges in life, sometimes there are even greater challenges that are going to come our way. My pastor used to say that ministry is two things: “solving problems and influencing people!” Nehemiah was solving a problem by leading people to “rebuild the walls” of Jerusalem, and now, he would be “influencing people” to care for the poor. He was a man of great integrity. He was a man who was willing to confront sin. He was a compassionate man who both honored God and loved people in everything that he did. Ultimately, God would use him in multiple ways, probably beyond what he had expected when he first arrived in Jerusalem. It’s important for us to understand that God cares about both tasks and people. He has much for us to accomplish for him, but he will never have us accomplish something at the expense of the people he died for on The Cross. As you serve the Lord, look around you, and be prepared for challenges beyond what you are currently facing. Always take the time to help and love people – it’s the heart of Jesus. Nehemiah saw an injustice, and he confronted it! Will you do the same?
Why would God put such an “unusual” story in the middle of the “walls project” in Jerusalem, led by Nehemiah? Perhaps it’s because what was actually “broken” in Israel was much deeper than physical walls. Sure…the walls represented protection and prosperity, but the people had even bigger problems. They had allowed syncretism to invade their land as they “mixed” worship of Yahweh with that of foreign gods. As a result, they had drifted away from the Mosaic Law, allowing themselves to become more like the culture. One such reality of this was that they began to use their power and position to take advantage of the poor. Instead of caring for their fellow underprivileged Israelites, they “robbed” them to make themselves rich. Instead of giving with a heart of generosity to help people, they charged them interest, leading to even deeper poverty for the people. When Nehemiah realized this, he DID SOMETHING about it! He confronted those in leadership who were abusing the poor, and he set in order a new plan that would honor God and help the poor. What’s interesting is that as we tackle challenges in life, sometimes there are even greater challenges that are going to come our way. My pastor used to say that ministry is two things: “solving problems and influencing people!” Nehemiah was solving a problem by leading people to “rebuild the walls” of Jerusalem, and now, he would be “influencing people” to care for the poor. He was a man of great integrity. He was a man who was willing to confront sin. He was a compassionate man who both honored God and loved people in everything that he did. Ultimately, God would use him in multiple ways, probably beyond what he had expected when he first arrived in Jerusalem. It’s important for us to understand that God cares about both tasks and people. He has much for us to accomplish for him, but he will never have us accomplish something at the expense of the people he died for on The Cross. As you serve the Lord, look around you, and be prepared for challenges beyond what you are currently facing. Always take the time to help and love people – it’s the heart of Jesus. Nehemiah saw an injustice, and he confronted it! Will you do the same?
Posted in Devotional