From Rubble to Restorationគំរូ

Accountability

There’s an old saying, “When the cat is away, the mice do play.” This is what happened with the people in Jerusalem once Nehemiah returned to Babylon. Before he left, the people had confessed their sins, prioritized God in their lives, and committed to obeying His commandments.

When Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem, he was stunned by what he found. A priest had allowed household goods to be stored in a temple storeroom—something completely inappropriate. Temple workers had abandoned their posts, merchants were selling goods on the Sabbath, and men were marrying foreign wives, all in direct disobedience to God’s commands.

Nehemiah came back to chaos and responded with urgency. He understood that small compromises would eventually lead to greater rebellion, something Israel had experienced before. Without accountability, the people assumed their choices didn’t matter.

We end Nehemiah’s story on a sobering note as he pleads, “Remember me for this, my God, and do not blot out what I have so faithfully done for the house of my God and its services” (v.14). Despite strong leadership and clear laws, the people drifted again. The Law could reveal sin, but it could not change hearts. Even faithful human effort was never enough.

That unresolved tension points us forward—to our need for something greater than rules or accountability. It points us to a Savior.

Like the people of Jerusalem, we too can drift from God even after moments of faithfulness. That is why God sent His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for sinners like us.

We serve a risen Savior, Jesus Christ, who cares more about our spiritual wholeness than our physical healing. Wholeness means salvation. Without forgiveness of sins, we remain in spiritual bondage. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, we receive ultimate healing and the promise of eternal life, whether or not our physical bodies are fully restored on this side of heaven.

Before we pray, take a moment to reflect on these questions:
1. In what areas of your life have small compromises slowly pulled you farther from God?
2. Are you relying more on self-discipline or on daily surrender to Jesus and His grace?
3. What might Jesus be inviting you to trust Him with today?

As you heal, have you sought Jesus for the forgiveness of your sins? If you haven't asked Jesus to be the Lord of your life and to forgive your sins, we want to invite you to do that now. Say this simple prayer out loud and in your heart:

"Dear Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and need your forgiveness. I believe you died on the cross for my sins and rose from the dead. I trust you as my Lord and Savior. Please help me to daily surrender to your will. In Jesus' name, amen!"

If you prayed that prayer, we are so proud of you! And thank you so much for joining us in this Bible plan on Nehemiah. We hope you were encouraged by God's Word!

This plan was written by Cheryl Collins, a volunteer with HealingStrong, a non-profit organization of community groups designed to help those battling cancer and other diseases to rebuild the body, restore the soul, and refresh the spirit. We’re here to walk with you on any healing journey! Find us online at Healingstrong.org.