Nehemiah 5
by Susanne Moore
When someone say’s God’s promises, I almost always associate that with the rainbow. It is not lost on me that the secular world has taken the promise of God and used it for other things. That is what the enemy does, and he does it in the name of love, acceptance and freedom. The sly little dog always chasing the tail, running cheap shod over God’s word, turning it just enough to look appealing and misleading. Thus, in choice 8 we began by being watchful.
How do we hold onto the promises of God, when the world is pulling us with candy coated messages and fruity dialogue? The answer is always to be watchful, stay in the scriptures, pray, find good friends who can help give truthful understanding. Nehemiah finds himself frustrated.
After going through everything he has to save his Jewish brothers, to restore the wall, he discovers that the people are exploiting each other. They are charging them taxes, exacting liens on their property, rationing food. Seriously. Nehemiah is flabbergasted.
Nehemiah 5:6- I was very angry when I heard their outcry and these words. I took counsel with myself, and I brought charges against the nobles and officials. I said to them, ‘You are exacting interest, each from his brothers.”
He goes on to remind them of what they have done after saving them, rebukes them for their actions and requests they return everything and more. He reminds them they should be walking with God.
We must hear our own outcry. To me that is the inner voice, the one that warns us of red flags. The voice that brings up the bible verses that reminds us of who we are in Christ, how we should act, what is not good, and the promises God has made. The Holy Spirit is that inner voice. Scripture must be studied, meditated on, and memorized.
We must also cry out to our brothers when they are flailing as well. I know how hard it is to call something out in someone that you love. However, if you know that person well, and you know when they are not standing up to the promises of God that they personally have accepted, or you see them falling into an old pattern, making choices that are completely out of character do them a favor and call them out anyway. It might fall on deaf ears; it might cause a gap between you for a time. But I would have given anything for someone to have said directly to my face, STOP, he is not right for you, you are not you, God doesn’t want this for you, turn north please because we love you and God loves you.
The rainbow promise was a true reminder that God loves us so much that he will not flood the earth again and wipe us out, even though behavior rears its ugly head again, and again and again. He loves us, and the next time he comes, will be eternal for those who love him and keep these promises.
My sweet friends, hold to God’s unchanging hand, stand on the promises of our Savior, and stay watchful. Do not let your guard down, no matter how vulnerable and lonely you feel. Because I promise the fall can be detrimental to your health, painful to your bones, and heartbreaking to your soul. I know this so well. Thirteen screws, metal plate, dislodged bladder, surgeries and a 7 inch gnarly scar on my arm later, the truth came out. It always does and I am forever grateful for a God who saves.
Lord, thank you for the example of Nehemiah. For the picture of rebuilding our life around you, in faithfulness and hope. Thank you for your promises to carry us through, to hold us tight in your hand, and to be with us through the harsh realities that we face. In Christ, Amen
Join me for Choice 10 as we stand on God’s promises while building our faith and growing.
Susanne
Susanne Moore 