Today's Scripture
For the Kingdom: Nehemiah 5:14-19
TODAY’S READING SCHEDULE: Nehemiah 1-5(CEB)
14 In addition, from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah (that is, from the twentieth to the thirty-second year of King Artaxerxes for a total of twelve years), neither I nor my family ate from the governor’s food allowance. 15 The earlier governors who had come before me laid heavy burdens on the people. They took food and wine from them as well as[y] forty shekels of silver. Even their servants oppressed the people. But because I was God-fearing, I didn’t behave in this way.
16 Instead, I devoted myself to the work on this wall. We acquired no land, and all my servants were gathered there for the work. 17 One hundred fifty Jews and officials, along with those who came to us from the surrounding nations, gathered around my table. 18 One ox, six choice sheep, and birds were prepared each day. Every ten days there was a large amount of wine. Yet even with this I didn’t ask for the governor’s food allowance because of the heavy burden the people had to carry.
19 Remember in my favor, my God, all that I’ve done for this people!
What does this passage mean to me/us
In today reading, we hear the account of Nehemiah leading the people to rebuild the city.
Nehemiah and Ezra were counterparts in rebuilding the city (See more about Ezra and Nehemiah from the video below).
We see in the last chapter of today’s reading, how Nehemiah made intentional decisions to put others and the mission before his own needs.
It shows the traits of his leadership. But I also see how it shows his commitment to whom he follows.
His sole purpose was to rebuild God’s Kingdom. The ruin of the Kingdom led him to abandon his job, returning back to the city.
Following the purpose led him to make things done, even overcoming resistance.
With his desire to rebuild God’s Kingdom, he was able to make it happen, even though it required some sacrifice.
Why was this so important for him? And how important is God’s Kingdom in our lives?
Prayer
Lord, may your kingdom come, may your will be done. Help us to devote our lives for your Kingdom today. We pray in Christ name, AMEN.
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