In chapter 5, Nehemiah finds out that the Jews are putting an undue financial burden on their very own countrymen. And he was very angry (verse 6). He doesn't shy away from confronting the perpetrators either. He confronts the nobles and officials and immediately demands that they stop this unrighteous behavior. Nehemiah says in verse 9, "What you are doing is not right. Shouldn’t you walk in the fear of our God to avoid the reproach of our Gentile enemies?" God knew what was going on and He didn't let it stay hidden long.
The same is true in our world. God sees injustice as it is inflicted upon the poor and disenfranchised. He will not let that stay buried for long.
After confronting them, Nehemiah calls the people to accountability and obedience. He tells the nobles and officials to give back all the land and possessions they have taken from the people, as well as the interest they have charged too (verse 11). In this same way, God expects us to answer for injustice that we see and what our response is to it. Clearly we cannot solve every problem in the world. And I don't believe we are actually called to do that. But God does call us to look around in our sphere of influence and see where we can ease suffering. And then to go do it. It's not enough to say, "Oh, how terrible!" and not take some corrective action.
Finally Nehemiah finishes the chapter by talking about how he and his men behaved during his time as governor. They didn't eat the food allotted to the governor, they didn't tax the people, and they didn't lord their position over those under them. Nehemiah's example teaches us that God's people should lead the way in correcting injustice. It's not enough to talk about it. We have to step up to the plate and do what He calls us to do.
So where is God showing you injustice in your world? What is He asking you to do about it? When will you start?
- Holly Barrett
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