Nehemiah 3-4 chronicle the ardent opposition from outside forces, forces that did not want Israel to finish the wall or repair the temple. However, in chapter 5, Nehemiah reveals that not only were they facing an outside threat, but also trouble inside their own city. Many of the people were upset with their brethren due to high interest rates that forced them to live in poverty and sell their children as slaves. Nehemiah was very angry when he heard of this and demanded a meeting.
So I [Nehemiah] said, “The thing you are doing is not good. Ought you not to walk in the fear of our God to prevent the taunts of the nations our enemies? Moreover, I and my brothers and my servants are lending them money and grain. Let us abandon this exacting of interest” Nehemiah 5:9-10 ESV
Nehemiah closely follows God’s command to care for your brother or neighbor as yourself, telling the loaners that they were not treating their brothers fairly. There are many injustices in this world, and while it may seem futile to even attempt to fix a problem, I can always help by love those around me and doing my best to assist them.
His [God’s] right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him. The LORD has made known his salvation he has revealed his righteousness in the sight of the nations. He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel. And the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. Psalm 98:2-3 ESV
Not only has did God send Jesus to die for my sins, but also for the sins of all those around me. Every human being has worth in the eyes of God and He wants the news of Christ’s death and resurrection spread to the ends of the earth.
Dear God, Please help me care for others and have compassion on them. Help me spread Your Good News to others and live my life as an example of servanthood. Thank you for sending Jesus to die for my sins. In Your Holy Name, Amen.
Nathanael (nborger2017)
Sixty-six books in a year 