Freedom

Nehemiah 5 describes how the nobles and officials were misusing and controlling the people who were trying so hard to do the work that God had given them to do - that of rebuilding the walls of the city.

 n verses 7 and 8 Nehemiah confronts the leaders and says "How often must we redeem them?"

 What about those who are just wanting to experience the freedom they have found in Jesus Christ?  Are we 'adding to' so they are 'overburdened'?  John 8:36 say "So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free." (NLT)

 Sometimes I wonder if we do the same thing to each other.  Are we placing such a burden on those who are doing the work of the Lord that they feel like they "already carry a heavy burden"? (vs. 18) Those working on the wall were helping each other and sharing what they could.  When we work together not only does the work get done, but we grow together in the "one anothers" of Scripture that brings glory to God.

 Let us not place burdens on those who have been redeemed - set free - or on each other as we seek together to do the "work of the Lord".

 Contributed by Karen Brink

Compassion

Nehemiah told the rich Jews to stop charging interest (exacting usury) on their loans to their needy brothers (5:10). God never intended people to profit from other’s misfortunes. In contrast to the values of this world, God says that caring for one another is more important than personal gain. When a Christian brother or sister suffers, we all suffer (1 Corinthians 12:26). We should help needy believers, not exploit them. The Jerusalem church was praised for working together to eliminate poverty (Acts 4:34-35). Remember, God places special interest on those who are sensitive to the poor (Proverbs 28:27). Make it a practice to help those in need around you.

That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.      1 Corinthians 12:25-26 (KJV)

 There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.     Acts 4:34-35 (NIV)

Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed.
Proverbs 28:27 (NLT)

Recognition

                De Vos Place. Van Andel Institute. Frederick Meijer Gardens. These are just a few names of well known places in our area, all named after men who started with very little but rose to prominence in the business world. Buildings, parks, monuments and even streets are often named after men and women who have made accomplishments in their lives.

                Nehemiah accomplished much in his life, too. Not only did he organize the rebuilding of the wall surrounding Jerusalem, he kept the people safe from enemies, he addressed and solved financial disputes and he regularly fed over 150 people for dinner at his own expense!  

                Nehemiah Avenue? Nehemiah Institute? Nehemiah Gardens? As far as I know, Nehemiah never had any worldly recognition for how he had helped his people but I don’t think he really cared. What mattered most to him was that God knew his heart and his actions.  “Remember me with favor, O my God, for all I have done for these people.” (Nehemiah 5:19)

                It doesn’t really matter if other people notice what we are doing for the Lord, if they know the hours we put into preparing and serving in various avenues, the sacrifices we make either monetarily, mentally, physically or emotionally.   What matters is that the Lord sees, knows and remembers!

Contributed by Lucy Kolean