Text: Nehemiah 5:1-19
We see in Nehemiah chapter five that, even though God’s people were endeavoring to do this massive work, life was still going on and everyday struggles amassed around them. When the farmers were rebuilding a wall, what would become of their crops? In a city that stood defenseless and sad at the beginning of this story, should we expect all the other affairs to be in order? Taxes were a mess, people were lending out their children as slaves, and their government was corrupt.
Nehemiah gets angry and he sets things right. He establishes order among the people and the government, and for this they make him governor. We see a sweet picture of him as a loving and sacrificial leader, and it is wonderful for us to look at and learn from. But more than that, this is an important little aside in a story of a people trying so hard to do something large for the Lord. They needed to take care of business and do a little self-care to keep the mission going.
If you’re in the midst of a God-sized project – on mission from Him – rely on His miraculous grace. But also, ask for wisdom and help to have your affairs in order so you can keep on building, for God’s glory.
Oh, if politicians were that way today instead of being stuck in the mindset of making some money. I think they could take a lesson from Nehemiah and how he didn’t even use his governor’s allowances because he already knew what burdens the people had. Loved today devotion. It goes to show that even though life around us goes on there is still a bigger picture at hand in our lives.
Whoops! That’s what I get for trying to do this on my phone ;) sent my comment way too soon!
Anyway, as I was trying to say :)
When I first read through the passage and then the devotional, I wasn’t really sure what God meant for me to take away from it. Sure, it’s an interesting break from the whole wall thing, but…
Then as I prayed and continued to read through the chapter and meditated on each verse, three things popped out to me.
First, the suffering of his people, moved Nehemiah. He did not just ignore it because he was busy with the wall. But, he also did not get angry and then strike out in the heat of the moment. He paused, taking a moment to consider how to respond. This is parallel of how we should treat issues among the body of believers. I shouldn’t be afraid to speak out, but I also should consider the best way to respond, seeking God’s wisdom.
Second, Nehemiah’s motivation behind rebuking the officials was a right one. It was so that God could not be taunted by the enemy nations. Is that my motivation when I seek to resolve a problem?
Third, Nehemiah sacrificed so much for the people. Will I sacrifice my rights for my family and church family for their benefit? And to go along with that, he did not seek recognition from the people, his only request was that God would remember all that he did. So many times it’s easy to get discouraged if no one recognizes your sacrifices or to try and demand it. But we should only desire that God see and He does! We will be rewarded for it, maybe not on earth but in His kingdom.
When I first
Remember me, Lord! (Vs 19) in Jesus’ name, amen.
Something else I thought about today…
I think it’s interesting that after seeing that the people weren’t doing what they should as far as living as God’s people, Nehemiah got angry. And even as he was angry,he thought about what he was going to say before he said it. In vs. 7 it says, “I pondered them in my mind and then accused the nobles and officials.” How often do we think about what we are going to say when we are angry before we say it? Lord, I pray you give me the self control to think before I speak when I am angry with others. Help me not to act on my anger prematurely.
Here's some great quotes/insights from another study on Nehemiah that I'm using along with reading this one from SRT with you (since I went through this the last time SRT did this and was not able to get their wonderfully done study pack)… I'm using this one online:
Principles of Reconstruction (chapter 4 & 5) for these 2 chapters: Don't Back Down — "Book of Nehemiah:Rebuilding the Walls""
"In Chapter 5, the Unseen Enemy tries yet another approach. Nehemiah has successfully handled the threatened attack from without, but now he runs into a problem from within his own ranks." (Nehemiah 5:1) …
"… Here is internal strife, no longer attack from without but trouble from within. You may experience that too, in your struggle to recover some area of your life. You may run into family problems, pressures, and problems with those who work with you, perhaps even from other brothers and sisters in the Lord. In this case it was a clash between the workers and the officials, the laborers and the overseers who were working on this project. This, then, is a class struggle. It is typical of all class struggles." …
Our Father, strengthen us to act like Nehemiah of old and stand against the pressures of our day. Help us to be women who visibly live according to what we profess. We ask in Jesus' name. Amen.
Many blessings as we continue in Nehemiah and our God-sized projects! Inspirational …
Peggy
Boy, have I veered off a few times when serving. I try to be a servant with all things, always putting others before me, but in the long run, I miss out (sometimes even intentionally) on taking care of myself or my life, because I feel like it's an "ungodly" thing to do when there's "so much that needs to be done." My reading yesterday in morning devotions was in Numbers, going through all the Levites and their various jobs within the temple. The Lord used it to speak to me about how He wants all of me to be taken care of, for all of it is holy: to take care of my physical being, nourishing it and keeping it healthy, alongside pursuing a deeper relationship with the Lord as well (soul is more important than body, but the body is very important!) Father, help me to balance both self-care and service in a way that truly honors you. I cannot do this without seeking you, so help me to have that fervor to seek you; whilst I do, I pray that you'd help me learn from what I read in seeking Your word, and to use that to further nourish both the community and myself. I love you for that, Jesus. I love this study. I love Nehemiah. He's so real, so Godly, and their lives are so honestly written about. I really appreciate it. Praise you, Lord!
Have a blessed day, sisters. May your eyes be continually on Him.
I don't remember where I first heard this, but it's so helpful to remember. You can't serve others, until you take care of yourself first. It's like the flight attendant telling you to put on your oxygen mask before you help those around you with theirs. You have to make sure you have what you need first, whatever that is for you. Even with the busyness of life I try to schedule time for myself because when I neglect myself, I'm of no use to those around me – I'm tired, and irritable, and resentful. When I have my physical, emotional, and spiritual needs met, I'm able to give so much more of myself to others. Hope this helps you!
Thanks for this Sarah Janet! V helpful way of thinking!
my husband is a youth pastor and his time tends to get away from him. We've really struggled juggling the youth group, work, and his band, whilst trying to not let everything else slip through the crack. This was a great message that I can pass on to him, blessing not just me but him as well!
I'll be praying for your marriage, Rachel! Be blessed in all of it, and I pray both you and your husband would seek Christ in what matters most! It's hard to remember sometimes that the Lord does not just give us these God-projects and expect us to work them by ourselves. He guides, he provides, he comforts, and he alone sustains us through and with them! I pray your husband would find rest in the Lord and that the both of you would continue to seek His heart regarding all things– it's only then that you'll be able to balance everything! Thanks for your honesty here. Have a great day, sis. Love you.