DAY 21 OF 40 Better Together Through Prayer And The Word Nehemiah 5:14-15 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. 1 Peter 1:15-19 15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 since it is written, You shall be holy, for I am holy. 17 And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each ones deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, 18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. DAY 21 – ACTING IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST Nehemiah takes time here to tell how he and his brothers (those from a common ancestry, not literal brothers) have helped the people of Jerusalem… SCRIPTURE: Nehemiah 5:14-15 When King Artaxerxes released Nehemiah from being his cupbearer to go to Jerusalem and oversee the building of the wall, he had given Nehemiah the title of Governor of Judea. A governor had special privileges. One of those was a special food allowance allotted to the governor. Although earlier governors had used the allowance, Nehemiah did not because he didn’t want to add another burden to the people. The other governors had even taxed the people with about a pound and a half of silver shekels for more food and wine. Nehemiah never acted that way. He saw the struggles of the people. He saw their needs. He had compassion on them. He did not take advantage of his position as governor. Nehemiah says, “But out of reverence for God, I did not act like that.” What words would you use to describe Nehemiah? (We have spent 20 days so far studying him. Write your words below.) LIFE APPLICATION: How about “Christ-like?” I see a man who has reverence for God and cares about his fellowman. These are the two main commandments, “Love the Lord your God” and “Love your neighbor as yourself.”If someone was to describe the person you are, what words would be used?
Posted on: Sun, 20 Oct 2013 23:24:35 +0000