By Jimmy Hodges
“Remember me for this, O my God, and do
not blot out what I have so faithfully done for the house of
my God and its services.” (Nehemiah 123:14, NIV)
Nehemiah wanted to be remembered for
good. This was more than just wishful thinking.
He was actively involved in doing good. He hears that
Jerusalem is in shambles. The news leads him to weep
and pray to God. He plans to return to Jerusalem and
rebuild the wall. He asks his boss, the king, to help
him with his plan.
The king grants Nehemiah his
request. Off he goes to Jerusalem on his rebuilding
project. Unlike many today, he does not travel with a
caravan of hype. He surveys the work, and then he
reveals his plan to the locals. The citizens support
him.
Finally, Nehemiah has
opposition. Sanballat and Tobiah were leaders in the
area. A fortified Jerusalem would pose a threat.
So the two did all they could to delay construction.
Nehemiah would not be stopped. Half the workers were
on guard for attack while the other half worked.
Nehemiah even slept with his clothes on so he could be ready
in a moment’s notice.
When the rich Jews were putting the poor
Jews into slavery, Nehemiah put a hasty stop to that
practice. Why should the Jews work so hard for
independence if they sold each other back into slavery?
Nehemiah points to his own example. He was not a heavy
tax burden to the people as governor, unlike his
predecessors. Even 2500 years ago, people appreciated
lower taxes.
While Nehemiah was leader, Ezra read the
law to the people. Upon hearing the law, the people
were prompted to confess their sins. After confession,
the people renew the covenant with God. So yes,
Nehemiah is remembered for good. In fact, he did so
much good it is hard to remember it all. I am sure I
have left some of the highlights out in this article.
Thankfully, God has a good enough memory to recall all of
Nehemiah’s good.
How about you? Do you have the same
desire? Do you want to be remembered for good? Follow
Nehemiah’s lead. Do good. Do so much good that
we have trouble remembering it all. Even though all
the details may evade us, we will remember you for
good. Thankfully, God will recall all your good.
- Jimmy Hodges, via THE
SOWER, a weekly publication of the Arthur Church of
Christ, Arthur, IL. Ron Bartanen, who serves as minister and
editor, may be contacted through the congregation's website:
http://www.arthurchurchofchrist.com
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