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Nehemiah 5

Good Morning “Self Sacrificers.”  Today we are in Nehemiah 5.  

Selfishness reigns in the land of Judah.  Wall building consumes a lot of time and energy.  Service often leaves less time for typical daily work.  Less time working = less resources to make ends meet.  The temptation is to turn to self seeking, “take things into our own hands”.

The larger clans were hoarding grain, some mortgaged their land to pay for grain, and some were borrowing money to pay taxes.  Many were being taken advantage of by others.  Some even sold their children to other Jews to pay their debts.  

Nehemiah was serving selflessly.  He had no personal agenda but only wanted to serve The Lord and his people. Nehemiah’s actions demonstrated where his heart was at.  Isn’t it amazing the influence one without selfish agenda can have on a people.  Nehemiah considers their needs and hearts carefully, speaks, and they listen.

Reminds me of someone else… Jesus.  He not only demonstrated it personally but taught the Disciples the same.  

“And He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles Lord it over them; and those who have authority over them are called ‘Benefactors.’ But it is not this way with you, but the one who is the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like the servant.” Luke‬ ‭22‬:‭25‬-‭26‬

We too are builders - of The Temple of The Holy Spirit.  As we serve we are building into others as they do the same.  Our Savior, Jesus, made the ultimate selfless sacrifice.  We are called by His name, called to sacrificially serve and love those around us… Like Jesus.  

“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.” Ephesians‬ ‭2‬:‭19‬-‭22‬

Love you all!  Dig in!