Read chapter in full: www.biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Nehemiah+005
CHAPTER 5 (ESV)
14 Moreover, from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year to the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes the king, twelve years, neither I nor my brothers ate the food allowance of the governor. 15 The former governors who were before me laid heavy burdens on the people and took from them for their daily ration forty shekels of silver. Even their servants lorded it over the people. But I did not do so, because of the fear of God. 16 I also persevered in the work on this wall, and we acquired no land, and all my servants were gathered there for the work. 17 Moreover, there were at my table 150 men, Jews and officials, besides those who came to us from the nations that were around us. 18 Now what was prepared at my expense for each day was one ox and six choice sheep and birds, and every ten days all kinds of wine in abundance. Yet for all this I did not demand the food allowance of the governor, because the service was too heavy on this people. 19 Remember for my good, O my God, all that I have done for this people.
REFLECTION:
- The purpose of these words from Nehemiah is to contrast his honesty during his 12 years of being governor to the unfair behaviour of the former governor. Reflect how Nehemiah refused to accept remuneration for serving as governor. Today, when you are serving in the church, are you too conscious about your personal gains and losses, and not willing to be a volunteer?
- As a leader, Nehemiah not only supervised the project but he also laboured with the people in repairing the wall. He was not an officer being protected and detached from the mass. On the other hand, he was a leader who led by example and did not exploit the people. A good leader needs to closely monitor the progress of a project and follow up with both words and deeds. Today, are you a leader or do you have the desire to be a leader in the church? Are you willing to learn from the example of Nehemiah to become a good leader in practice?
PRAYER:
Thank God for teaching you consistency of words and deeds through Nehemiah, so that you will not focus on personal gain or loss, but to serve God in any role in the church. Ask God to expand your heart and mind so that you will pay attention to social justice as a Christian. God does not only require us to have self-control in the church, but he also demands us to be salt and light in the world.
HYMN:
God of this City – www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5rbA2k4JwM
