The Generosity of Nehemiah

Rick Warren notes the mark of spiritual maturity occurs when a believer “takes off the bib and puts on an apron.” Immature children wear bibs and expect others to meet their needs. Those who wear aprons have learned the joy of serving others. Which attire are you wearin … More

Serving

Nehemiah ruled as governor for twelve years in Jerusalem. During this time he did not take advantage of his position (v. 14). The governors who had ruled before him had heavily taxed the people (v. 15). He was more interested in serving the people than he was in fulfilling a vocation. In fact, he continued working right beside the people (v. 16). He did not hesitate to get his hands dirty in this important building project. Nehemiah regularly fed one hundred fifty Jews and rulers as well as other people who came to visit Jerusalem. He not only paid for his own food, but he shared what he had with others (vv 17-18). It is refreshing in our day of public scandals to meet a man like Nehemiah who put serving the people ahead of getting gain for himself. He did not use the people to build a kingdom for himself but used his privileges for helping the people.

As a man of prayer, Nehemiah was in touch with God. He prayed that God would remember him because of his concern for the people (v. 19). He didn’t want praise or reward from the people but wanted only the reward God would give him for his faithful service.

As spiritual leaders we can learn the following from this chapter:

  1. Whenever we are responsible to people we have potential problems.
  2. We need to confront problems and not just ignore them, hoping they will go away.
  3. We need to be sure that our own life is an example of integrity.
  4. We need to see in every problem an opportunity for the Lord to work.

Application

Nehemiah’s life could be summed up in his desire to serve the Lord and other people. God will bless me when my priorities are the Lord and others before myself.

Nehemiah 5:14-19 (English Standard Version)


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