The Generosity of Nehemiah
October 15, 2020
Commentary
Nehemiah ruled as governor for twelve years in Jerusalem. During this time he did not take advantage of his position (v. 14). The governors who had ruled before him had heavily taxed the people (v. 15). He was more interested in serving the people than he was in fulfilling a vocation. In fact, he continued working right beside the people (v. 16). He did not hesitate to get his hands dirty in this important building project. Nehemiah regularly fed one hundred fifty Jews and rulers as well as other people who came to visit Jerusalem. He not only paid for his own food, but he shared what he had with others (vv 17-18). It is refreshing in our day of public scandals to meet a man like Nehemiah who put serving the people ahead of getting gain for himself. He did not use the people to build a kingdom for himself but used his privileges for helping the people.
As a man of prayer, Nehemiah was in touch with God. He prayed that God would remember him because of his concern for the people (v. 19). He didn’t want praise or reward from the people but wanted only the reward God would give him for his faithful service.
As spiritual leaders we can learn the following from this chapter:
Whenever we are responsible to people we have potential problems.We need to confront problems and not just ignore them, hoping they will go away.We need to be sure that our own life is an example of integrity.We need to see in every problem an opportunity for the Lord to work.
Application
Nehemiah’s life could be summed up in his desire to serve the Lord and other people. God will bless me when my priorities are the Lord and others before myself.
Nehemiah 5:14– 19 (NET)
14 From the day that I was appointed governor in the land of Judah, that is, from the twentieth year until the thirty-second year of King Artaxerxes—twelve years in all—neither I nor my relatives ate the food allotted to the governor. 15 But the former governors who preceded me had burdened the people and had taken food and wine from them, in addition to forty shekels of silver. Their associates were also domineering over the people. But I did not behave in this way, due to my fear of God. 16 I gave myself to the work on this wall, without even purchasing a field. All my associates were gathered there for the work.
17 There were 150 Jews and officials who dined with me routinely, in addition to those who came to us from the nations all around us. 18 Every day one ox, six select sheep, and some birds were prepared for me, and every ten days all kinds of wine in abundance. Despite all this I did not require the food allotted to the governor, for the work was demanding on this people.
19 Please remember me for good, O my God, for all that I have done for this people.
Illustration: Warren Taking a Bib off and putting on an Apron
Rick Warren notes the mark of spiritual maturity occurs when a believer “takes off the bib and puts on an apron.” Immature children wear bibs and expect others to meet their needs. Those who wear aprons have learned the joy of serving others. Which attire are you wearing? (Lou Nicholes – Missionary/Author).