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HINDRANCES AND CHALLENGES TO SERVICE (II)
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2
Nehemiah 5:1-5

Leviticus 25:35-43

 

“Thou shalt not rule
over him with rigour;

but shalt fear thy God.”

 

HINDRANCES AND CHALLENGES TO SERVICE (II)
 
Internal strife and division were greater enemies to the work of God than the gathering led by Sanballat. Divisions and dissension within the camp acted the same way as weapons wielded by the enemy. James writing his epistle put it thus: “where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work” (James 3:16). Nothing would prosper as long as the people were disgruntled and divided. Selfishness robbed the people of their unity, their strength and progress in the great work they were doing for God.
 
Because of the dearth (Neh 5:3). The work was demanding, the times were difficult and the circumstances were dire. In addition to that, legal obligations were still binding and they had taxes to pay (Neh 5:4). The previous distress in Jerusalem had bonded them together to work. The presence of external opposition made them consolidate their efforts so that the work may continue. How was it then that the difficult times and dearth could not bring them to consider each one his poor neighbour? Had the Law of their God not made provisions concerning such? Why would complaints arise against their brethren at this time? Had God not given instructions concerning how to relate to the poor? Did not the Law instruct that “thou shalt not harden thine heart… thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him” (Deut 15:7-8)? Did not the Law forbid the enslaving of fellow Jews stating that “thou shalt not compel him to serve as a bondservant” (Lev 25:39)? Did it not require the humane treatment of the brother whilst he was with them? And that they could not be retained indefinitely, but were to be released at appointed times and without ransom stating “in the seventh (year) he shall go out free for nothing” (Exod 21:2)? Yet, selfishness and materialism had blinded the Jews to the plight of their brethren, and to the provisions of their law. To them, the opportunity to gain wealth (as the walls of the city were being erected), blinded them to the opportunity to show compassion to their brothers and to “fear thy God.” The enemy within estranged them against one another, and against God’s law. Its attacks were severe, and it is one against whom we must be most vigilant.
 
THOUGHT: Opportunities in life are for selfless service, not selfish gain.

PRAYER: O Father, help me trust Thee and live according to Thy Word.

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