Passage Read: Nehemiah 4-7
Meditation Verses: 5:11-13
Thought
Nehemiah had gathered the people to work a solid 52 days to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. He withstood intimidation and threats, and led the people to keep going despite their fear. Either Nehemiah had incredible charisma or else God was doing a work in the hearts of the people, and He just needed someone who saw what needed to be done and would rally the people. When it came to this issue, he called a great assembly of the people and publicly called out those who are exacting usury and forcing the poor into ever more desperate straits. He pleaded with them to return the money and properties and to stop charging interest. They agreed and took an oath before the priests. But in the end, Nehemiah had no more leverage over them than to call on the Lord to cast them out of their own homes and possessions if they did not keep their promise. He didn't use the Law or force of arms, just a call to the Lord to judge those who didn't repent.
Application
When it comes to calling others to do what is right in God's eyes, I have no real power. Either God does a work in their hearts to make them willing and teachable, or else there is nothing I can do, because there is no law or any real way to legislate pursuit of the Lord. I need the Lord to move in their hearts or else judge them in some way that is meaningful to them. Like with the warning that comes with communion, God can discipline those who are ingenious. Believers need the warning, but I need to trust and depend on God to carry out His discipline.