Nehemiah 5:1-13 - About this time some of the men and their wives raised a cry of protest against their fellow Jews. They were saying, “We have such large families. We need more food to survive.” Others said, “We have mortgaged our fields, vineyards, and homes to get food during the famine.” And others said, “We have had to borrow money on our fields and vineyards to pay our taxes. We belong to the same family as those who are wealthy, and our children are just like theirs. Yet we must sell our children into slavery just to get enough money to live. We have already sold some of our daughters, and we are helpless to do anything about it, for our fields and vineyards are already mortgaged to others.” When I heard their complaints, I was very angry. After thinking it over, I spoke out against these nobles and officials. I told them, “You are hurting your own relatives by charging interest when they borrow money!” Then I called a public meeting to deal with the problem. At the meeting I said to them, “We are doing all we can to redeem our Jewish relatives who have had to sell themselves to pagan foreigners, but you are selling them back into slavery again. How often must we redeem them?” And they had nothing to say in their defense. Then I pressed further, “What you are doing is not right! Should you not walk in the fear of our God in order to avoid being mocked by enemy nations? I myself, as well as my brothers and my workers, have been lending the people money and grain, but now let us stop this business of charging interest. You must restore their fields, vineyards, olive groves, and homes to them this very day. And repay the interest you charged when you lent them money, grain, new wine, and olive oil.” They replied, “We will give back everything and demand nothing more from the people. We will do as you say.” Then I called the priests and made the nobles and officials swear to do what they had promised. I shook out the folds of my robe and said, “If you fail to keep your promise, may God shake you like this from your homes and from your property!” The whole assembly responded, “Amen,” and they praised the LORD. And the people did as they had promised. (NLT)
Earlier this year I attended the Lausanne Congress. It is a gathering of Evangelical Christians from around the world which takes place every 15 years. The theme of the Congress this year was “Let the Church Declare and Display Christ Together”. Each day of the Congress had a different theme. I was particularly struck by the days allocated to the persecuted Church and global injustice. Neither of these areas are new to me. In fact, the Lord has been speaking to me about both topics for years. But I have always assumed that my role would be financial and that I would be able to contribute when I was more financially stable. During the Congress, I believe that the Holy Spirit spoke to me, and instructed me to figure out how to contribute to both areas in some way, shape or form. Contrary to my own thoughts, His promptings were never about money. I have now understood that they were about joining Him in bringing about His will and kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. How does my Holy Spirit encounter relate to today's passage?
In today’s passage, we learn Nehemiah was concerned with what was affecting the people of Israel. He wasn't just focused on building the wall. He engaged with the plight and troubles of those around him. All too often, many of us ignore the injustices in our communities to focus on what God has called us to do. But in this chapter, we learn that this might be a mistake. Nehemiah teaches us that the two can be done concurrently. We can focus on our calling and at the same time work to bring God’s will and kingdom on earth as it is in heaven by addressing injustice.
Nehemiah 5:16-18 - I also devoted myself to working on the wall and refused to acquire any land. And I required all my servants to spend time working on the wall. I asked for nothing, even though I regularly fed 150 Jewish officials at my table, besides all the visitors from other lands! The provisions I paid for each day included one ox, six choice sheep or goats, and a large number of poultry. And every ten days we needed a large supply of all kinds of wine. Yet I refused to claim the governor’s food allowance because the people already carried a heavy burden. (NLT)
This is not prescriptive. For some of us, this this may look like allocating specific time to pray for a particular issue in our community, nation, church or the world. For others, it may involve more active engagement - political or otherwise. Whatever the case, this passage reveals to us that we can no longer use our calling as an excuse for inaction. Like Nehemiah, we are to get involved in the work of redeeming society and the world alongside our specific calling/s from God.
It sounds like a lot I know. But if we are faithful in both like Nehemiah will be able to pray this prayer….
Nehemiah 5:19 - Remember, O my God, all that I have done for these people, and bless me for it. (NLT)
Questions for reflection: Has the Lord impressed on me the idea of solving a problem in my community? Am I ignoring a problem in my community because I am focused on my calling? Do I need to repent for my inaction where there has been injustice? Have I prayed for direction in this area? What one thing can I do today to reverse my inaction and bring about God’s kingdom on earth as in heaven?
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