Re:Verse passage – Nehemiah 5:6-13 (day two) I consulted with myself and contended with the nobles and the rulers and said to them, “You are exacting usury, each from his brother!” v. 7a
The Jewish people were in a desperate place, and conflict came not just from others, but from among themselves. Sometimes businesses, individuals, and nations can lose sight of each other when we focus solely on ourselves. Nehemiah was able to look at the situation and see it for what it was. The Jewish people were not taking care of each other. Their businesses practices were causing people to fall further and further behind. Who knows how long this had been going on, or how it got as bad as it did. What strikes me, however, is Nehemiah’s response. Like every other instance in this story, Nehemiah pauses before he acts. Verse seven begins with the statement, “I consulted with myself.” Nehemiahs actions are never rash. Time and time again we are reminded that prayer and patience are the ingredients for how to effect change. We may recognize problems in our lives, but we would do well to take a note from Nehemiah and pause to pray before we act.
Discover more from The Everyday Prayer
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
