Nehemiah 5
- The book of Nehemiah is about reformation (a physical building of the walls and a spiritual reformation of sanctification)
- Examples of great reformation in Ireland & Wales (1904)
- Difficulties in reformation - a situation of disunity
- The nobles and rulers where oppressing the poor
- v2 - large families
- v3 - people had to mortgage their lands and vineyards to buy grain
- v4-5 - people had to sell their children into slavery to pay the king's taxes
- There was a great outcry - the rich were getting richer and the poor getting poorer
If we want to experience great blessing as a Church we will know conflict. During these times we must look to God
Conflict (v1-5)
- Nehemiah may not have heard about this conflict or maybe couldn't
believe it - The people take their problems to Nehemiah
- Deut 23:19-20 'No Jewish person should ever lend to interest'
- Deut 15 - God's provision for the poor
- Lev 25 - Release of slaves and land
- Why was there such a problem in buying grain?
- Maybe working so much on the walls that less time for agricultural supply or regular work
- Maybe the armies surrounding Jerusalem cut off their supplies
- The situation arose because of the sin of covetousness and greed
- Not all in Israel were 'true' Israelites
- Sometimes Christians act worse than non-Christians and bring shame and reproach on Jesus Christ
Dealing with conflict (v6-13)
- Nehemiah became angry - he wasn't afraid to show his feelings (v6)
- Righteous anger can lead to radical action
- Martin Luther was angry at the greed of the Catholic Church
- Sinful anger vs righteousness anger
- Nehemiah confronts the situation by simply stating facts - he was not vindictive
- He thinks seriously about the matter (v7)
- He rebukes the rulers and nobles publicly (v7-8)
- He seeks a positive resolution (v9-11)
- He make the rulers and nobles promise before the priests (v12)
- He warns the rulers and nobles that God will bring justice if they break their promise (v13)
Being an example at times of conflict (v14-19)
- Nehemiah was an example
- For 12 years he didn't take any of the kings provision
- Think of today's banking bonuses
- The former governors laid heavy burdens [taxes] on the people (v15)
- He was working on the wall and also his servants (v16)
- If we want to be a key player we must consider the needs of others above our own
- Nehemiah served the King of Kings with daily sacrifice
- God will enable us to be overcomers if we serve Him