Walking in the Fear of the Lord

The rebuilding of Jerusalem also involves the reform of Jerusalem’s people. The walls weren’t the only things broken. As they come together and undertake the work to rebuild, Nehemiah learns that some of his countrymen are taxing and charging each other high interest rates. They are exacting and oppressive – even causing one another’s children to be sold into slavery due to their indebtedness. Hearing this Nehemiah grows angry. How can they expect the glory of Jerusalem to be restored when their actions betray hearts so far from the Lord whose glory once dwelt there? This social injustice reveals a much deeper cancer of the heart.

Are we guilty of the same? Do we hope and pray for revival and restoration of our churches while keeping grudges and withholding forgiveness from one another? Do we wish for our country to turn from its secular idolatries and remember the Lord – yet ignore the responsibility to set the pace in caring for the poor and standing in the gap for widows and orphans? Are you wanting to see the Lord rebuild the walls but too lazy to walk in obedience?