Miracle Moment

“I would like to mention that for the entire twelve years that I was governor of Judah – from the twentieth until the thirty-second year of the reign of King Artaxerxes – my aides and I accepted no salaries or other assistance from the people of Israel. This was quite a contrast to the former governors who had demanded food and wine and $100 a day in cash and had put the population at the mercy of their aides who tyrannized them; but I obeyed God and did not act that way. I stayed at work on the wall and refused to speculate in land; I also required my officials to spend time on the wall. All this despite the fact that I regularly fed 150 Jewish officials at my table, besides visitors from other countries! The provisions required for each day were one ox, six fat sheep, and a large number of domestic fowls, and we needed a huge supply of all kinds of wines every ten days. Yet I refused to make a special levy against the people for they were already having a difficult time. O my God, please keep in mind all that I’ve done for these people and bless me for it.” Nehemiah 5:14-19

Let’s look at six points concerning Nehemiah 1) He nor his aides accepted money for their work. Government officials should work out of patriotic duty and an acceptable stipend, not as a career choice, especially in times of financial stress. 2) He and his aides did not oppress the people. Some officials do this, then cover for one another. 3) Nehemiah didn’t take advantage of the situation. Rahm Emanuel, Hillary Clinton (implied by Nancy Pelosi) and others have said a good crisis should never go to waste. It’s a pity when government officials use crises to take advantage of their positions and the people they “serve.” 4) He worked on the wall and required his aides to do the same. This kept them in touch with what the common man had to deal with. All politicians should have to live under the laws they create and be subject to the same burdens they place on others. 5) Nehemiah figured out how to supply the food his entourage needed, freeing the people from the burden. He never used the need to put a tax on the people. Government officials should be responsible for coming up with creative ways to deal with issues instead of expanding government having to issue a new tax every time we turn around. Out of every paycheck we earn 6.2% goes to Social Security and Medicare. Federal taxes rate from 10-37% depending on what bracket you fall; plus all the state and local taxes. That’s a lot of money! 6) Nehemiah did all of this because his heart was so weighed down with the task of restoration and the advancement of the people. He asked God to remember him and bless him instead of pressuring people who were unable to provide.

PRAYER: Take a moment to pray for your current government officials. Ask God to give them a heart for the people and the work. Ask God to replace unrighteous politicians with people after His heart who will do what is right for ALL people.