Nehemiah 5:9–11 ‘I and my brothers and my men are also lending the people money and grain. But let us stop charging interest!’ (v10)
Many television shows replicate the idea of restoration. It is heart-warming to see something that seemed to have had its day and lost all value being restored to its former glory.
Whether that be a piece of furniture found in a skip or a pet that became separated from its owner, or an adult fostered as a child discovering family they had never met.
Restoration is bringing something back to its original owner, place or condition. Restoration is at God’s heart.
It can be seen in many of Jesus’ parables, such as the Lost Sheep, Lost Coin and the Prodigal Son (Luke 15).
God wants to restore His relationship with His children, which is why Nehemiah got so angry with the actions of the wealthy.
But it was not enough for people to feel bad about their behaviour. Lending money is not the problem, but lending money and charging interest to people who can’t afford it for food that they need to live on is clearly out of step with the law that Moses described (Exod. 22:25).
What is interesting about this short passage is that Nehemiah is not just upset with others, he is also upset with himself.
In verse 10 he reveals that he has also been charging interest against the principle of Mosaic Law.
He is calling out the sin not just in others, but also recognising that he is guilty of this practise.
How many times have we pointed the finger at other people’s behaviour only to realise that we are often just as guilty of the same?
A Prayer To Make:
‘Lord, sorry when I have been quick to point and slow to repent. Help me to see others as You see them. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and renew a right spirit within me. Amen.’
An Action To Take:
Take a moment to search your heart for any sign of hypocrisy. Have there been times when you have judged other people’s behaviour, but you have been just as guilty?
Scripture To Consider:
Exod. 22:21–27; Lev. 25:35–38; Luke 15:11–32; 1 Tim. 5:1–8
