Nehemiah 5:14 Moreover, from the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, until his thirty-second year—twelve years—neither I nor my brothers ate the food allotted to the governor.
It can be a hard thing to NOT accept something that is offered to you, something positive that is. We all have the ability, or at least I hope we have, to say “NO!” to negative things offered. We can reject insults and unfair assessments of our character and actions. But this can be very hard to do sometimes.
We want to “get our due” when it is offered. This is only natural. When the government offers you a tax refund, you take it. It is your money, after all. But when they offer a relief check, that can be more difficult. The future generations will be paying for your comfort and security. No political agenda here!
We love coupons, groupons, sales and bargain racks. The closeout bins and discount racks get picked over. We love to get something for less, don’t we.
Nehemiah had been appointed to a position of authority in Jerusalem by the rule of Persia. And with that appointment came a package of benefits. And he chose to reject one aspect of those benefits as a way to show solidarity with those over whom he had authority. He chose not to accept the food allowance.
When the US Military station service members overseas there are extra benefits that come with that posting. They often get a Cost of Living Allowance added to their paychecks so that their money will go further in the local economy. If there isn’t military housing available, they get a housing allowance to offset the cost of rent and utilities. This is all part of the benefits package.
Nehemiah had a benefits package. But he chose to NOT benefit from his position. He used his own wealth to support not just his own household, but others who needed his support. These others were working on the joint project of building the wall around Jerusalem, a wall needed for defense from the surrounding hostile inhabitants who continued to try to subvert their cause.
I am wondering what it would look like if our leaders purposely rejected their benefits packages in order to better identify with those they lead. Instead of accumulating wealth as they “serve” us in government, profiting from their connections, what would it look like if they increased their charity giving to match their new found incomes? What if they strove to achieve a ‘zero gain’ record?
What would it look like if the employer worked harder to lift up their employees as they themselves were lifted up economically? I know they have more at stake if the business fails, but why not spread the risk and benefit out? What would that look like for the Kingdom?
You see, Nehemiah had a reputation. He was a generous person, and that generosity spoke volumes about his character. And by extension, it spoke volumes about the character and nature of His God. The LORD provided for Nehemiah even though he rejected the benefit he was rightly due. What a testimony!
You see, Nehemiah trusted the LORD enough to trust the LORD! He didn’t just say he had faith, he put his faith into action by rejecting outside help. And the LORD honored his faith.
Are there areas of your life where you say you trust the LORD, but then you still hold onto the outside source for security? Maybe today is the day you match your actions with your stated faith!
The Arnold Journey 