FEAR GOD AND DO WHAT IS RIGHT

 

Nehemiah 5:1-13 / Keywords 5:9

FEAR GOD AND DO WHAT IS RIGHT

 

1. Nehemiah helps the poor (1-6)

Famine struck and revealed underlying social problems. The rich nobles loaned

money to the poor at high interest and took their fields and children in repayment.

The poor, especially the wives, cried out for justice. When Nehemiah heard the

cries of the poor, his heart was filled with righteous anger. Moses’ law forbade the

Jews to sell their own people into slavery(Ex 21:8). We also should respond to the

cries of the poor and the injustices of our society with righteous anger. Jesus was

poor.

 

2. Nehemiah challenges the nobles to fear God (7-13)

Nehemiah did not try to please the rich, but boldy rebuked them. Though what

they did was legal for the times, it was a sin against God; it was heartless towards

the poor; it defeated the social good being done by Jews rescuing other Jews

from slavery; it was disgraceful. The nobles listened to Nehemiah, repented, and

promised to give back what they had taken. Greed corrupts and destroys our

good influence in the world. We must fear God, repent our greed, and do what is

right.

 

Prayer God, forgive my greed, selfishness and heartlessness. Please help me to

fear you and do what is right.

One Word Fear God and do what is right