“About this time some of the men and their wives raised a cry of protest against their fellow Jews. 2 They were saying, “We have such large families. We need more food to survive.”3 Others said, “We have mortgaged our fields, vineyards, and homes to get food during the famine.”4 And others said, “We have had to borrow money on our fields and vineyards to pay our taxes. 5 We belong to the same family as those who are wealthy, and our children are just like theirs. Yet we must sell our children into slavery just to get enough money to live. We have already sold some of our daughters, and we are helpless to do anything about it, for our fields and vineyards are already mortgaged to others.”6 When I heard their complaints, I was very angry. 7 After thinking it over, I spoke out against these nobles and officials. I told them, “You are hurting your own relatives by charging interest when they borrow money!” Then I called a public meeting to deal with the problem.” Nehemiah 5:1-7 NLT
“They replied, “We will give back everything and demand nothing more from the people. We will do as you say.” Then I called the priests and made the nobles and officials swear to do what they had promised. 13 I shook out the folds of my robe and said, “If you fail to keep your promise, may God shake you like this from your homes and from your property!”” Nehemiah 7:12-13 NLT
Holy Lord,
Nehemiah did his best but human nature being what it is things went wrong. Who would have known? Some times we get it wrong. But he could not overlook it because it was not only stopping the work and was a terrible witness as a community. But before those, it was offensive to You Lord. When Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment was, he responded with two. Love God and love Your neighbour as yourself (Matthew 22:37,38). These came from the Law (Deuteronomy 6:4-5 and Leviticus 9:18) If Jesus could not separate them, so how can we?
Some were taking advantage where they could with their own neighbours and not being generous with Your provision Lord, to them, for the common good. And those with little were literally giving their all and needed help. Giving and serving is not a set of rules, a rota, a percentage. It is following Your plan Lord God. Each doing what they can. And Jesus said, when you give, don’t let your left hand know what your right is doing (Matthew 6:3). That takes some thinking about! No one needs to know because some hove more to give. Although I must say Lord when I give I do feel good.
But Nehemiah was angry because these were the people of God causing hardship to each other where it was not necessary. Help us to see where a lift, a kind deed, an invitation for a meal would be welcomed. A listening ear, something to help the body of Christ build on together. And not be too proud to accept help or support when it is offered.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Thursday 9th October 2025
I think this is only the second time I have heard this worship, it was written in 2009 I think. Jesus kneeling to wash the disciples feet . . .
All the room was hushed and still
And when the bowl was filled
He stooped to wash their feet
And when it was complete, he said
This is what I’m asking you to do
This is why I’m kneeling here beside you
This is what I want my church to be
This is what I want the world to see
Who it is you follow
Love each other
One another
Love each other
In the way that I have loved you
Walk together
And whatever comes
Love each other
In the way that I have loved you
Let the room be hushed and still
Let us go to where he kneels
And join him as he serves
And learn his ways of love
Lyrics: Graham Kendrick