Scripture to Read: Nehemiah 5:11-12
As we saw in yesterday’s devotion, some of the nobles and rulers of Jerusalem were charging interest to their brothers and sisters in Jerusalem for the basic necessities of life. As we also saw yesterday, this is sin and this sin needed to be dealt with immediately. God also makes this truth clear in James 2:14-17. If we claim to know Christ as our Lord and King and we are not even willing to help someone naked and hungry, then our so-called faith is absolutely worthless. In Nehemiah 5:11, we find God using Nehemiah to rebuke the nobles and rulers in Jerusalem. God not only led Nehemiah to rebuke those who were taking advantage of those in need, but God led Nehemiah to tell them, “Please, give back to them this very day their fields, their vineyards, their olive groves and their houses, also the hundredth part of the money and of the grain, the new wine and the oil that you are exacting from them.” WOW. These nobles and rulers had taken everything, and God said, “you’re going to give it back.” The true test of repentance is our response when we are rebuked. We can fall into the trap and make excuses for our sin, rationalize our sin, try to justify our sin, OR we can repent and be made right with God and with those we have sinned against. The nobles and the rulers repented. We know this because of their godly response in Nehemiah 5:12. May we always respond in like manner.
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about helping those in need and about the proper response when we are rebuked?
2. How will you apply to your life this week the things God taught you today?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!