Scripture to Read: Nehemiah 5:7-10
As we read Nehemiah 5:7, we find that Nehemiah took the whole situation into careful consideration. Nehemiah did not react to his first initial feelings of anger. When we get angry, we need to think through things carefully, as we saw in the devotion yesterday, so we do not fall into sin. If Nehemiah had let his anger control him, he probably would have spoken harshly and without love. When Nehemiah did talk to the rulers and nobles, he lovingly rebuked them for charging excessive interest to fill their own pockets. God never wants us charging interest to those in need of food and clothing, the very necessities of life. When we see others in need, we are to come alongside them and help them in their need, not take advantage of them. Nehemiah reminds the nobles and rulers that when Judah had been conquered, many of their Jewish brothers and sisters were sold as slaves. Nehemiah also tells them that many had been bought out of slavery by other Jews. Nehemiah made it clear that it was wrong to have Jews being sold as slaves to other Jews. Nehemiah also let them know that charging interest to their own Jewish brothers for food was wrong too. Walking in the fear of God is what we must all do. Nehemiah reminds the nobles and rulers of this fact. We must always choose to honor God in every decision we make. When we choose to honor Him, we will be guarded against making unwise, selfish decisions.
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about caring for the needs of others and seeking to honor Him in all decisions of life?
2. How will you begin to put a guard on your decisions so that each decision brings honor to our Lord?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!