Day: Day 13
Date: January 20, 2024
We must understand why Nehemiah was able to do the monumental task that God had called him to do.
He was called by God to be a unifying force and to return the people back to God’s presence and back to living righteously before Him.
The key was that Nehemiah had reverence for God. (See verse 15 below)
But first, let’s get the rest of Chapter 5 all inside of us today.
Nehemiah 5:14 NKJV
Moreover, from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year until the thirty-second year of King Artaxerxes, twelve years, neither I nor my brothers ate the governor’s provisions.
What had God done for Nehemiah? God had provided for him.
Nehemiah kept himself from partaking of the governor’s provisions. He got his provisions by trusting in his God.
God had already provided favor, and Nehemiah brought back righteousness and unity with his brothers.
He had been given wisdom by divine counsel, and now here is the result:
He was appointed governor in the land of Judah.
Nehemiah 5:15 NKJV
But the former governors who were before me laid burdens on the people, and took from them bread and wine, besides forty shekels of silver. Yes, even their servants bore rule over the people, but I did not do so, because of the fear of God.
For 12 years, Nehemiah was governor and during that time he brought forth the RE-ESTABLISHMENT of God’s heart and God’s ways for all the people, with economic reforms being a part of it.
Nehemiah 5:16 NKJV
Indeed, I also continued the work on this wall, and we did not buy any land. All my servants were gathered there for the work.
Nehemiah Embraced, Displayed and Shared God’s love!
He was a generous giver and provider.
Nehemiah 5:17-18 NKJV
17 And at my table were one hundred and fifty Jews and rulers, besides those who came to us from the nations around us.
18 Now that which was prepared daily was one ox and six choice sheep. Also, fowl were prepared for me, and once every ten days an abundance of all kinds of wine. Yet in spite of this, I did not demand the governor’s provisions, because the bondage was heavy on these people.
Then, Nehemiah put himself in a position to receive the harvest by recalling to God’s heart what he had done for His people:
Nehemiah 5:19 NKJV
Remember me, my God, for good, according to all that I have done for this people.
This is another thing that we need to RE-ESTABLISH this year as we are reminded to impact people by giving of ourselves for their sakes. We can also expect that, as we are a blessing, we will be blessed.
Luke 6:38 NKJV
Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.
This is another understanding that the people of God need to have RE-ESTABLISHED in our hearts and minds:
God wants us to prosper!
Deuteronomy 8:18 NKJV
And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.
Genesis 12:2 NKJV
I will make you a great nation; I will bless you, and make your name great; And you shall be a blessing.
We are blessed to be a blessing.
When you become a giver, God will acknowledge you and He will bless you.
He established this throughout the Word of God. He also wants to RE-ESTABLISH it this day.
This blessing comes with purpose: you are blessed to be a blessing to others.
We can put our faith in God to bless us when we will not withhold from Him all He has given us.
This includes more than money.
We must have a vision of the great size and eternal importance of the work to which He has called us.
Even though our task or contribution may seem small and unimportant compared to what others may be able to do or give, God sees our heart and He
will multiply blessings back into our lives.
When we work together, we are doing a great work of RE-BUILDING that which has been broken down by the enemy.
We must stay focused and not allow the distraction of the enemy to take us off course until what has been assigned to us, as individuals and corporately, is complete.
Great vision accompanied by faith helps us reach the goals God has planned for our lives and our generations.
Nehemiah faced many giants along the way, but he didn’t lose his focus or get distracted from his purpose.
He was there to RE-ESTABLISH a place where God would dwell, and:
- Every time he made righteous choices
- Every time he led people back to purpose
- Every time he stood for what God stands for
He was making an impact that would make God’s name famous by showing how Big their God was on their behalf.
Isn’t that what we need to do as well?
We go forward to have a direct effect against the enemy’s plans, and we press together to bring forth God’s plans.
PRAYER
Our Father,
We are a privileged people that You have chosen to bring forth Your will to this earth. We are so grateful that we can know Your character through the reading of Your word.
We are so thankful that You have made a way for us to become the Temple that Your presence resides in.
We welcome You into our hearts, to manifest Your character through our actions as our hearts are molded to Yours.
Let us remain righteousness conscious.
Help us to remember that all You have blessed us with is to be a blessing to others.
We are determined to stay reverent before our great God and announce You in every way we can.
Thank You for Your determined love for Your people.
Amen.
WORSHIP/VIDEOS
Goodness of God – Bethel Music
Mercy of God – Mitch Wong
Gratitude (Chosen Performance) – Brandon Lake
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