Pastor's Corner

In the fifth chapter of the book of Nehemiah we find the Jewish people diligently working on the rebuilding project in Jerusalem. There arose a great outcry from the meekest and poorest of the Jews. They were not only under the rule and authority of the Babylonian empire but their own structure of hierarchy within the Jewish community was very oppressive and judgmental as well. The richest and most powerful “nobles” were charging high interest and forcing their brethren to mortgage their lands to keep up with their debts to them. Some even had to pay their debts by selling off their children into slavery, slavery within their own community. Nehemiah, as leader of the Jews, was angered by how they were treating each other. He took counsel with himself, and prayed for an answer. Nehemiah confronted and rebuked the oppressive hierarchy and told them of a solution, it sounds so simple yet carries so very much weight, forgiveness. They were to forgive the debts, return whatever land, goods, or slaves they had acquired and begin to help in the healing process of a community. Nehemiah was privy to quite an allowance of food, money, and goods for being the leader of the Jews. Instead of hoarding it all and being wasteful. He opened up his home and table to those who were less fortunate and made sure all the goods were going as far as they could to serve the needs of as many as possible. The overall message I gather from this chapter is love and forgiveness. We are called to love one another, not to judge and belittle. We are called to forgive one another, not to take advantage of each other when we are down and most vulnerable. We don’t always need a hand out, possibly just a hand up. We can share in our challenges, and also share in the joy that comes from tight knit community, fellowship, and love for Jesus. Remember this week we are all in this together, one church, together for Jesus.        
Jake Thomas.