Daily Scripture Threshing for Wednesday, July 8, 2020
Today’s Text: Nehemiah 5:1-13
Key Verses: Nehemiah 5:10 (KJV): “I likewise, and my brethren, and my servants, might exact of them money and corn: I pray you, let us leave off this usury.”
Are you privileged to hold a public trust in leadership — whether it is in secular or religious platform of power? God’s word to you today is that you must be content with just (godly) recompense for your labor. Are we not told that true godliness with contentment is itself great gain? (1 Tim 6:6) Devotion to public good is your call and in it is your great reward. As a believer, we have clouds of biblical witnesses of godly people who wholly devoted themselves, even to the neglect of their own personal concerns. Paul in a review of his public ministry in Corinth made bold to say: “ I was not a burden to anyone” (2 Cor 11:9). And He is therefore qualified to call on us to have the same mindset as Christ Jesus, who preferred to empty himself rather than grasp (Phil 2:5).
Unfortunately, today’s leaders desire power and claim it’s for the good of the people; but they’re never willing to freely remit or relinquish rights for the sake of the people. They’re not willing to bear public burden upon their shoulders. Nehemiah was given the public trust of leading. There are opportunities to award contracts for building of walls and the ruined Temple; but not only did he build with his hearts and hands; he was very angry and touched by the cries of the Jews, and floated a program of poverty alleviation for the people. And by “I likewise, and my brethren, and my servants, might exact of them money,” he reveals that all men alike are akin to desire personal gain, but he chose to be a godly leader. Therefore, he calls on other leaders to such higher standard of discipline and gravity. He appeals to all leaders not to usurp; but rather, to quit usurious lifestyle that uses the people, and gains on their pains. The way to reform our cities and transform our nations is when leaders convince their consciences against selfishness and walk in the fear of God.
Quote for the Day: "The way to reform our cities and transform our nations is when leaders convince their consciences against selfishness and walk in the fear of God.” (Simon Olatunji)
Prayer: Dear God, help me to commit myself to the higher calling and self-surrender than self-service. Help me to serve You and others with selfless passion, in Jesus name. Amen.
With all my love and prayer,
Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, PhD
The Darling Bishop (DaBishop),
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