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SACRIFICES FOR EXEMPLARY SERVICE (V)
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12
Nehemiah 5:14-19

Hebrews 6:9-12

 

“Think upon me, my God, for good…”

 

SACRIFICES FOR EXEMPLARY SERVICE (V)
 
Nehemiah’s testimony showed that he was willing to exchange a life of ease, luxury and pleasure for one of labour and sacrifice for God and His children. He attempted and did all within his ability, giving up all he possibly could so that the work God had placed in his heart would be accomplished and that he would set an example for all. He was diligent and committed in his efforts. He exercised wisdom in his dealings, and he was prayerful and faithful in his approach. Having done and attempted all he could, he still committed himself and his welfare to God.
 
Think upon me, my God, for good (Neh 5:19). This prayer of Nehemiah intimates, firstly, his relationship with God. He prayed to and called upon God as “my God.” His zeal and commitment, his faithfulness and sacrifice came from a personal relationship with and knowledge of the God he served. We can never serve and sacrifice beyond our knowledge of, and faith we have, in God. Like Daniel’s three friends, our confidence in God can only be as strong as our knowledge of our God. Therefore, those who desire to grow in faith, commitment and service must first “grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Pet 3:18). Nehemiah’s prayer, secondly, intimates his reliance on and trust in God. As he prayed, he just said, “Think upon me… for good.” He did not need to tell God what to do for him, for he knew that whatsoever God would give would be good for him. He trusted in God’s goodness and wisdom. He understood that what God requires of His children and the fear of the LORD are “for our good always” (Deut 6:24) and that they who faithfully seek the LORD “shall not want any good thing” (Ps 34:10). Finally, his prayer intimated his clear conscience and motive in all that he did as well as his understanding of God’s attributes. He did not serve for gain or for personal profit. Hence before God he prayed “according to all that I have done for this people.” He served faithfully and selflessly, knowing well that “God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister” (Heb 6:10).
 
THOUGHT: (Read Revelation 22:12.)
PRAYER: Father, forgive me for my selfish service. Help me to serve Thee selflessly.

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