Text: Nehemiah 5:1-19
The wall is not yet finished, but Nehemiah learned that some of the wealthy
people were mistreating the poor, lending them money and imposing high
rates on interest of them, and even taking property and children as payment!
Yahweh said through Moses that His people should freely loan to the poor
and charge no interest (Lev.25:35-37). Walls cannot protect a corrupt Kingdom.
Nehemiah became very angry with the nobles, and he demanded that they
stop the “usury” and return all that was taken unjustly (v.11). He reminded
them that they were slaves. Should they now enslave their brethren?
We who belong to Christ are spiritual descendants of Abraham and Moses, and this command is for us, as well. When we advance loans to fellow believers, we should not add interest. Should a poor believer repay what he borrowed? Yes, of course. But the giver should not add interest. Everything we have is given to us by God, and Jesus gave us His life. Therefore, we must be quick to give freely and gladly to our brethren in need. Worldly kingdoms are built on injustice, oppression, corruption, etc. The Kingdom of Christ is built on justice, mercy, righteousness, etc. –LOVE !
Meditate on verse 12. How are you going to apply it to your life?
Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, forgive me where I have cheated others and help me make good on my debts. Amen.