Readings for today: Nehemiah 5-7
The gospel is the power of God. It’s the power of God to save both Jew and Gentile alike. But it’s not just “fire insurance.” It’s not just a “get out of hell free” card. It’s not just a way for individuals to get into heaven. The power ripples out from the human heart into the world. It impacts systems and structures in society. It holds all kinds of political and social implications. It levels the playing field, defying the worldly categories that often divide us and keep us apart. It eliminates any distinction between poor and rich, elite and ordinary, old and young, slave and free, male and female, Jew and Gentile. All of us become one in Christ Jesus. All of us have an equal share in Christ. All of us are given a place at His Table.
This is why Nehemiah was so angry with his fellow Jewish leaders. They had used their power and wealth and status to enrich themselves. They exploited their poor countrymen for their own gain. They engaged in all kinds of corrupt behavior, creating a taxation system that ended up putting their own people into slavery. And this on the heels of God’s miraculous deliverance from the exile in Babylon! So Nehemiah confronted the “nobles and officials.” He called out the political and social leaders of his day. He challenged them to repent and turn back to God by returning all they had stolen from the people and setting them free. Thankfully, those leaders responded to Nehemiah’s challenge. They promised to do all he commanded them to do. And the entire assembly praised the Lord.
Then Nehemiah took it one step further. For the entire twelve years he governed Judah, he refused to exercise his right to his official food allowance. He refused to place any additional burdens on the people. He willingly relinquished his ration of food and wine and even silver because he feared the Lord and had a desire to serve not be served. His officials followed suit. In addition, he took shifts working on the wall and refused to use his position to acquire property. He paid for all the provisions he used out of his own allowance. He did all this in order to set a godly example.
What about us? What kind of example are we setting as Christians in the world? Do we take advantage of our position or influence or power in society to enrich ourselves or do we willingly relinquish everything to serve others? Do we abuse the trust given to us by the people we serve or do we faithfully exercise our duties in the fear of the Lord? What’s your heart posture when you wake up each morning? Is it to serve or be served? Is it to give or take? Are you more focused on self or on God and others? Do you like Nehemiah use your power to advocate for the poor and powerless in our society?
Readings for tomorrow: Nehemiah 8-10