Nehemiah- Rebuilding and RenewalNäide

Having dealt with opposition from without, now Nehemiah faces a challenge from within. Some nobles and officials- those with means- were profiting nicely on the backs of other citizens’ hardship, resulting in some cases even in slavery (v5).

Nehemiah’s indignation reminds me of Jesus’ own anger in the temple courts (see John 2:13-17). He is angry (v6), then lets the ‘powers that be’ have a piece of his mind.

Why was Nehemiah so angry?

Was it because his attention was being drawn away from a very important project that would lave lasting value for decades to come, in order to settle an internal dispute? I think it was more likely because the very community that the walls would protect were being taken advantage of by their own people- from within. The prophet Micah’s words to ‘act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with your God’ (Micah 6:8) were being ignored large scale- again- and Nehemiah is well aware that such disrespect for the ways of Yahweh had already led to the destruction of Jerusalem and exile to Babylon a generation before.

A commitment to justice requires care for the vulnerable. Whatever spiritual breakthroughs are in store for God’s people, whatever our hope and expectation for revival, God is looking for a people whose hearts are pure, who carry integrity, who care for the least, the last and the lost.

Unlike those in Jesus’ example, these nobles and officials have a change of heart, repent, and correct their ways (v12). Nehemiah’s own example is one of transparency and integrity, and confidence is restored to the people through the process (v13-15). There is a shift that takes place, where those of means ‘out of reverence for God’ (v15-16) commit that which they might be entitled to, to the Lord for the sake of the work. “I devoted myself to the work on this wall” (v16)

Reflect:

How willing are you to release the things you might have earned, or feel entitled to, for the work of the Lord?

Who are the vulnerable in your community? How might God be leading you to make sure they are cared for?

When was the last time you got angry about the things Jesus got angry about?

In this chapter, people were literally freed from financial debt. What would honestly happen in your heart if suddenly you had no debt? What is the value of money to you, and how will you use it?