Week 33: Acting Differently

This week's Bible reading plan is as follows:



*Sunday: Nehemiah 3:15-5:13, 1 Corinthians 7:25-40, Psalm 32:1-11, Proverbs 21:5-7
*Monday: Nehemiah 5:14-7:73, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Psalm 33:1-11, Proverbs 21:8-10
*Tuesday: Nehemiah 7:73-9:21, 1 Corinthians 9:1-18, Psalm 33:12-22, Proverbs 21:11-12
*Wednesday: Nehemiah 9:22-10:39, 1 Corinthians 9:19-10:13, Psalm 34:1-10, Proverbs 21:13
*Thursday: Nehemiah 11:1-12:26, 1 Corinthians 10:14-33, Psalm 34:11-22, Proverbs 21:14-16
*Friday: Nehemiah 12:27-13:31, 1 Corinthians 11:1-16, Psalm 35:1-16, Proverbs 21:17-18
*Saturday: Esther 1:1-3:15, 1 Corinthians 11:17-34, Psalm 35:17-28, Proverbs 21:19-20

Scripture: Nehemiah 5:15
This was quite a contrast to the former governors who had laid heavy burdens on the people, demanding a daily ration of food and wine, besides a pound b of silver. Even their assistants took advantage of the people. But because of my fear of God, I did not act that way.


Observation:
Nehemiah tells us how governors were behaving in the land of Israel before Nehemiah became governor: they 'stole' from the people by putting heavy burdens upon them. They probably enjoyed a good life style at the expense of the poor and powerless Jews who had remained in the land of Judah. Nehemiah, on the other hand, is selfless. Not only does he not burden the people, but also does he feed 150 of them daily at his table, at his own expense (v18a). He was driven by compassion for his people, because 'the people were already having a difficult time.' (v18b)

Application:
In Ephesians 4 verses 20-24, Paul calls us out "to be different":

20 You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. 21 Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. [Eph.4:20-24 NIV]

I love one of my Dutch translations, which says, "...but you should be completely different..." Already in the Old Testament, Nehemiah gave us an example of what it is to live a Christ-like life. He had an attitude of self-sacrifice, of putting others ahead of himself. He acted differently because he feared God.

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, help me to be different, to not act conform this world, but to have the mindset of Christ. I pray that you help me to develop an attitude of servanthood. I want to live to your honor and glory, just like Nehemiah. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Have a wonderful week of reading and studying.

In Him,

Dick