Readings for today: Nehemiah 5-7
I am the oldest of three boys. Growing up, we spent a lot of time together. Most of it good. Most of it fun. We remain close to this day. However, we had our moments. There were times we’d get frustrated with each other. Times we’d fight and get into it. Times we’d get in trouble or get busted for doing things we shouldn’t. That’s when mom or dad would step in and level consequences. As the oldest I often bore the brunt of the punishment. This bred a certain amount of resentment which I would proceed to take out on my younger brother and he would, in turn, take out his resentment on our youngest brother and he would, in turn, take out his resentment on our dog. ;-) Just kidding. In all seriousness, though, human beings are like that. We have a tendency to punch down. To exploit those who are weaker than us. Take advantage of those who have less power than us. To take out our own anger and bitterness and frustration on those who do not have the ability to retaliate.
Consider what happens in our text today. The people who returned to Jerusalem do not have it easy. They engage in back-breaking work day after day as they try to scrape out an existence in a city that lies in ruins. Due to their lack of a protective wall, they live under constant threat of attack. Despite their return from exile, they are not free. They live and serve at the pleasure of a pagan empire. All of this stress and pressure built resentment and bitterness in people which caused them to turn inward. To focus on controlling what they could control. So those with power - like the nobles and officials - did what they could to line their own pockets. They punched down against their brothers and sisters, exploiting the poor and powerless among them. Fields were mortgaged. Loans were taken out. Economic slavery ensued.
Thankfully, Nehemiah was a godly leader. A man who sought the Lord with all his heart. He did not “punch down” when given the opportunity but instead did all he could to build others up. From the time he was appointed governor in the land of Judah, he refused to take the food allowance. He rejected the oppressive practices of those who had served as governor before him. He persevered in his work on the wall in a valiant attempt to protect the most vulnerable. He acquired no land. He was inclusive as a leader, inviting 150 different officials to feast with him at his own expense. He was generous. He was magnanimous. All because he feared the Lord and wanted to bring honor and glory to His great name.
Nehemiah’s example is a powerful one. He shows us in real time what a life looks like that is lived for God. He cares nothing for the riches of this world. He cares nothing for temporal, earthly power. He cares nothing for the benefits and privileges he’s been given. He walks with open hands before the Lord. He walks with a pure heart before the Lord. He keeps his eyes fixed on the mission God has called him to and he is blessed as a result. What would that look like in my life? In your life? What would change if we kept our eyes fixed on Jesus and worked for His eternal rewards? What would happen if we held onto all we have loosely and walked with open hands before the Lord? Like Nehemiah, we would become conduits of blessing to our families, friends, co-workers, and community.
Readings for tomorrow: Nehemiah 8-10