Key Verse: Nehemiah 13:10-14
The second reform that Nehemiah did in the city of Jerusalem was the financial reform. Over the course of time, the people forgot the laws about giving to GOD. They ignored what GOD had spoken through Moses. Nehemiah realized that the portion for the Levites were not given to them and as a result, the Levites who were singers, had to work in the field. Their approach to meet their finances affected the law that was set by GOD, and it even brought about a spiritual deterioration in the lives of the Levites. They neglect their duty.
The call of the LORD is important and we have to be very keen in accomplishing the same. The Levites have to be provided their portion as per the guidance of the LORD because their call is different from others. When Nehemiah found out about the neglect of the Levites, he inquired about it with a powerful question: “Why is the house of GOD forsaken?” The lack of giving was a way of forsaking the temple of the LORD. The Temple of the LORD requires help and support from the people to be run and maintained.
Nehemiah’s reforms included:
- Restoration of Tithes: This was not in practice, so he had to restore it back to its previous status.
- New Appointments: He appointed treasurers and assistants to keep track of everything and to make sure that the Levites were given their provisions correctly.
Nehemiah saw the pain of the Levites. A leader must be able to identify and heal the wounds of the servants of the LORD. A common man may not understand what the servant of the LORD goes through. Never ignore the servants of the LORD.
Practical Living: A leader guides the people to do good to others. He encourages them to care for others and to serve the LORD in the way that HE expects of us. The servants of the LORD must give priority to their call and they should be firm in fulfilling it. Care for others must not be merely through words, but make others feel cared even through your actions.
