“‘We will give it back,’ they said. ‘And we will not demand anything more from them. We will do as you say.’ Then I summoned [them] and made [them] take an oath to do what they had promised.”
Nehemiah 5:12
We talk a lot about justice nowadays, but it’s usually in reference to something someone else should do better. The truth is, we’re all prone to participate in various degrees of injustice. This has always been a problem even within the household of God, which is why He makes provision for it in the early church (see Acts 6).
As the remnant of God’s people—especially those with influence—worked to shore up the walls of Jerusalem against their enemies, they were actively harming and passively neglecting their own brothers and sisters in the faith. This was not only abhorrent for those who were afflicted, but it was a stench in the nostrils of God.
Do you have brothers and sisters in the faith that you are harming or neglecting? Are you so focused on what’s happening in our culture that you’re missing an opportunity to rake leaves for a widow? Are you so angry about the state of politics that you’ve grown short-tempered with those you love? Let the grace that has been shown to you in Jesus wash over you and all your dealings with others.
As the remnant of God’s people—especially those with influence—worked to shore up the walls of Jerusalem against their enemies, they were actively harming and passively neglecting their own brothers and sisters in the faith. This was not only abhorrent for those who were afflicted, but it was a stench in the nostrils of God.
Do you have brothers and sisters in the faith that you are harming or neglecting? Are you so focused on what’s happening in our culture that you’re missing an opportunity to rake leaves for a widow? Are you so angry about the state of politics that you’ve grown short-tempered with those you love? Let the grace that has been shown to you in Jesus wash over you and all your dealings with others.
Scripture Focus
Nehemiah 6:6-13
Insight
Jesus Christ died for His people. He cares about how we care for those He bought with His own blood.
Bible In A Year
- 1 Samuel 30-31
- Psalm 135
- Ephesians 1-2