Nehemiah: A Call to Justice and Compassion

Devotional

Day 1: Caring for One Another as God Cares for Us

God’s people are called to look after each other, showing kindness and care because God has first shown us His love and provision. When we see needs in our community—whether hunger, loneliness, or distress—we are invited to respond with practical help, compassion, and prayer. This care is not just a duty but a reflection of God’s own heart, and when we love one another, others can see a glimpse of God through our actions. Consider how you might reach out to someone in need today, offering what you have, your time, or simply a listening ear, so that the love of God is made visible in your community. [30:47]

Leviticus 25:35-38 (ESV)
“If your brother becomes poor and cannot maintain himself with you, you shall support him as though he were a stranger and a sojourner, and he shall live with you. Take no interest from him or profit, but fear your God, that your brother may live beside you. You shall not lend him your money at interest, nor give him your food for profit. I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt to give you the land of Canaan, and to be your God.”

Reflection: Who is someone in your life or community who could use your care or support this week, and what is one specific way you can show them God’s love in action?

Day 2: Responding to Injustice with Righteous Anger and Thoughtfulness

There are times when seeing injustice, poverty, or exploitation should stir us to righteous anger, just as it did for Nehemiah and for Jesus in the temple. Yet, it is wise to pause and ponder before acting, allowing God to guide our response so that we do not act out of uncontrolled emotion but with courage and clarity. When we see something wrong, we are called to be bold and to stand up for what is right, addressing issues openly and directly rather than through gossip or complaint. Let your anger at injustice move you to thoughtful, prayerful action that brings about real change. [01:06:37]

Ephesians 4:26-27 (ESV)
“Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.”

Reflection: When you encounter something that makes you angry this week, how can you pause to seek God’s wisdom before responding, and what might a courageous, godly response look like in that situation?

Day 3: Obeying God’s Commands in How We Treat Others

Obedience to God is not just about personal piety but about how we treat those around us, especially the vulnerable and the poor. God’s law calls His people to avoid exploiting others and to act with integrity and fairness, motivated by a desire to honor Him. Our faith should shape our daily decisions, prompting us to ask, “God, what do you want me to do in this situation?” Living in obedience means seeking God’s will above our own comfort or gain, and being willing to make sacrifices for the sake of others. [01:10:00]

Deuteronomy 15:7-8 (ESV)
“If among you, one of your brothers should become poor, in any of your towns within your land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart or shut your hand against your poor brother, but you shall open your hand to him and lend him sufficient for his need, whatever it may be.”

Reflection: Is there a decision you are facing where you are tempted to put your own interests first? How can you choose to obey God’s way of generosity and fairness today?

Day 4: Compassion for the Poor and Marginalized

Throughout Scripture and especially in the life of Jesus, God’s heart for the poor, the marginalized, and the outsider is clear. Compassion is not just a feeling but a call to action—standing up for those who are exploited, using our resources to help, and being willing to challenge systems or behaviors that keep people in need. Ask God to open your eyes to those who are struggling around you and to give you a heart that is moved to act with mercy and justice, reflecting the compassion of Christ. [01:11:11]

Isaiah 58:6-7 (ESV)
“Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?”

Reflection: Who in your wider community or world is suffering from injustice or need, and what is one concrete step you can take this week to show compassion or advocate for them?

Day 5: Building a Community that Reflects God’s Love

The way we love and care for one another as a church is a powerful witness to the world. When outsiders look in and see a community marked by unity, generosity, and welcome, they catch a glimpse of God’s character. We are called to be a people who encourage, support, and include all, so that our life together points others to Jesus. Ask God to help you play your part in building a church family where everyone is valued and where His love is made visible to all who come near. [01:13:09]

John 13:34-35 (ESV)
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Reflection: What is one way you can contribute to making your church or community a place of genuine welcome and love this week, so that others may see Christ through you?

Sermon Summary

The story of Nehemiah offers a powerful lens through which to view the challenges of our own time. In Nehemiah’s day, the people faced a crisis: famine, rising costs, heavy taxes, and a widening gap between rich and poor. Those with power and resources exploited the vulnerable, charging interest and taking property, while the poor struggled to survive. Nehemiah’s response was not just administrative or political—it was deeply spiritual. He recognized that God’s people are called to care for one another, reflecting the love and compassion God has shown to us.

When Nehemiah learned of the injustice, he was angry, but he did not act rashly. He took time to ponder, to reflect, and then confronted the issue directly and courageously. He called the community to account, reminding them of God’s commands not to exploit the poor, but to support and restore them. Nehemiah’s leadership was marked by moral clarity, compassion, and a desire for the community to be a witness to God’s character—a place where outsiders could see something different, something attractive, in the way people loved and cared for each other.

This ancient story is not just a history lesson. It speaks directly to our own context, where many still struggle with the cost of living, where inequality persists, and where the temptation to look after our own interests can overshadow the call to love our neighbor. The call is to be a community that embodies God’s justice and mercy, to be bold in challenging what is wrong, and to be generous and compassionate in practical ways—whether through sharing resources, offering friendship, or standing up for those who are exploited.

Ultimately, the example of Nehemiah points us to Jesus, who perfectly lived out obedience to God, compassion for the marginalized, and a radical welcome to all. The invitation is to follow in these footsteps, allowing God’s Spirit to shape us into a people who love, care, and stand together, so that others may see a glimpse of God’s love in our life together.

Key Takeaways

1. Righteous anger, when rooted in compassion and justice, can be a catalyst for meaningful change. Nehemiah’s example shows that it is wise to pause and reflect before acting, ensuring that our response is guided by God’s heart rather than our own frustration. This kind of anger is not about self-interest, but about standing up for those who are wronged and seeking restoration. [65:55]
2. The problems that threaten a community often come from within, not just from external opposition. Nehemiah recognized that injustice and exploitation among God’s people were as dangerous as any outside threat. True spiritual health requires honesty about our own failings and the courage to address them openly and directly. [60:00]
3. God’s commands to care for the poor and vulnerable are not optional extras, but central to faithful living. The call to generosity and justice is rooted in God’s own character and in the story of redemption—because God has cared for us, we are to care for others. This is not mere charity, but a radical reordering of priorities in response to God’s love. [30:07]
4. The way we treat one another is a powerful witness to the world. Nehemiah understood that the community’s life together should reflect God’s love so clearly that outsiders are drawn to ask what makes it different. Our unity, compassion, and practical care for each other are not just for our own benefit, but for the sake of God’s mission in the world. [71:11]
5. Prayer and action go hand in hand in responding to injustice and need. Nehemiah’s story is marked by both deep prayer and bold, practical steps to address wrongs. We are called to seek God’s guidance, to pray for wisdom and courage, and then to be willing to be part of God’s answer—standing up, speaking out, and serving those in need. [73:09]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[17:33] - Opening Words of Gratitude
[23:43] - Introducing Nehemiah’s Challenge
[29:18] - The Problem of Greed and Exploitation
[30:07] - God’s Care and Our Call to Care
[30:47] - Practical Ways to Love One Another
[31:27] - Living as a Witness to God’s Love
[31:57] - Songs: Cornerstone and Shine
[50:00] - Prayers for Peace and Justice
[50:59] - Praying for Gaza and the World
[52:01] - Praying for Justice and Generosity
[52:34] - Generosity and Continuous Prayer
[60:00] - Nehemiah: Problems Within the Community
[65:55] - Nehemiah’s Righteous Anger and Reflection
[71:11] - Compassion, Obedience, and Mission
[73:09] - Praying for Boldness and Unity
[78:27] - Closing Blessing and Sending

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Nehemiah 5:1-13 (ESV) — > Now there arose a great outcry of the people and of their wives against their Jewish brothers. For there were those who said, “With our sons and our daughters, we are many. So let us get grain, that we may eat and keep alive.” There were also those who said, “We are mortgaging our fields, our vineyards, and our houses to get grain because of the famine.” And there were those who said, “We have borrowed money for the king’s tax on our fields and our vineyards. Now our flesh is as the flesh of our brothers, our children are as their children. Yet we are forcing our sons and our daughters to be slaves, and some of our daughters have already been enslaved, but it is not in our power to help it, for other men have our fields and our vineyards.”
>
> I was very angry when I heard their outcry and these words. I took counsel with myself, and I brought charges against the nobles and the officials. I said to them, “You are exacting interest, each from his brother.” And I held a great assembly against them and said to them, “We, as far as we are able, have bought back our Jewish brothers who have been sold to the nations, but you even sell your brothers, that they may be sold to us!” They were silent and could not find a word to say. So I said, “The thing that you are doing is not good. Ought you not to walk in the fear of our God to prevent the taunts of the nations our enemies? Moreover, I and my brothers and my servants are lending them money and grain. Let us abandon this exacting of interest. Return to them this very day their fields, their vineyards, their olive orchards, and their houses, and the percentage of money, grain, wine, and oil that you have been exacting from them.”
>
> Then they said, “We will restore these and require nothing from them. We will do as you say.” And I called the priests and made them swear to do as they had promised. I also shook out the fold of my garment and said, “So may God shake out every man from his house and from his labor who does not keep this promise. So may he be shaken out and emptied.” And all the assembly said “Amen” and praised the Lord. And the people did as they had promised.

Leviticus 25:35-37 (ESV) — > “If your brother becomes poor and cannot maintain himself with you, you shall support him as though he were a stranger and a sojourner, and he shall live with you. Take no interest from him or profit, but fear your God, that your brother may live beside you. You shall not lend him your money at interest, nor give him your food for profit.”

Observation Questions

What were the main problems facing the people in Nehemiah 5? How did these problems affect the community? ([01:00:00])
According to the passage, how did Nehemiah respond when he first heard about the injustice happening among his people? ([01:05:55])
What specific actions did Nehemiah take to address the exploitation and inequality in the community? ([01:06:37])
What does Leviticus 25:35-37 command God’s people to do when someone among them becomes poor?

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Nehemiah took time to “ponder” before acting on his anger? What difference might this have made in the outcome? ([01:05:55])
The sermon mentioned that the biggest threats to the community came from within, not just from outside enemies. Why is it important for a community of faith to be honest about its own failings? ([01:00:00])
Nehemiah called the people to return what they had taken and to stop charging interest. What does this reveal about God’s priorities for how His people treat each other? ([01:06:37])
The sermon said that the way the community treated each other was meant to be a witness to outsiders. How might the actions of God’s people attract or repel others from faith? ([01:11:11])

Application Questions

Nehemiah’s anger was described as “righteous anger” rooted in compassion and justice, not self-interest. Can you think of a time when you felt angry about injustice? How did you respond, and what might it look like to pause and reflect before acting next time? ([01:05:55])
The problems in Nehemiah’s community were caused by people exploiting each other, not just by outside threats. Are there ways, even small ones, that we might contribute to problems within our own church or community? How can we be honest about this and seek change? ([01:00:00])
God’s commands to care for the poor and vulnerable are not optional. What are some practical ways you or our group could support those who are struggling in our community right now? ([30:07])
The sermon talked about the importance of being a community that is attractive to outsiders because of our love and care for each other. What is one thing you could do this week to show practical love to someone in our church or neighborhood? ([01:11:11])
Nehemiah combined prayer with bold action. Is there a situation of injustice or need that you have been praying about? What is one step you could take to be part of God’s answer to that prayer? ([01:13:09])
The sermon challenged us to reorder our priorities in response to God’s love. Is there an area of your life—time, money, relationships—where you feel called to be more generous or just? What would it look like to take a step in that direction this week? ([01:06:37])
When people look at our church or small group, what do you think they see? What would you like them to see, and what can we do together to move closer to that vision? ([01:11:11])

Sermon Clips

``So the people come to Nehemiah and say We don't have enough food to stay alive There's loads of us and we don't have enough food Others say that they're actually mortgaging their fields and their homes They don't have enough money to buy food They're giving up the security of fields and homes that they have And for others it's taxes that are the problem The king might have let Nehemiah go But he still wants to be paid his tax money Still wants to be paid taxed by the people in the land that he controls You never escape taxes And so other people complain We've actually had to borrow money to pay the king's tax [01:02:44] (43 seconds) #HiddenPovertyTruths

Essentially God is saying You should be looking after those who are poor And those who are struggling Because God has looked after the people first Not as an obligation But as a response out of love We love Because he first loved us Their faith should lead them to support the poor among them They shouldn't be profiting out of somebody who is hungry And our faith should lead us to support the poor among us Those who can't make ends meet Those who don't have food to eat Part of our call to follow God Is to be people who make a difference in these situations [01:04:53] (42 seconds) #BoldJusticeCalls

We get angry Sometimes that is justified When we see poverty and injustice There should be a righteous anger The same anger we see in Jesus When he went to the temple And he found it to be full of money changers Like a marketplace And he turned over the tables in anger We can be sure that Jesus wasn't sinful In his anger Yet I know I've been angry And I'm sure each of us has been angry And it would be hard to claim That it was always righteous It's more because someone has annoyed us Or done something in a different way from us Or forgotten to do something Or any number of reasons But adding in that time to think Before we speak Can be a wise step [01:06:56] (49 seconds) #CompassionForAll

So Nehemiah takes that time to think it over He realises he's ready to deal with it And he confronts the people Who are lending money He does it directly He does it publicly He doesn't go around whispering Starting rumours Complaining about people Muttering Gossiping He just calls a meeting Let's get this out in the open Let's deal with this He's bold He's courageous When something's wrong He's ready to stand up And to name it But we need to be bold too And we know that something is wrong To call it out publicly To take a stand [01:07:46] (38 seconds) #CommunityThatShines

He calls for a radical redistribution of wealth If we look at our society The inequality The poverty The need for food banks It's going to take something radical To really change Not just a tinkering around the edges But a change that fundamentally makes For a fair society [01:09:22] (26 seconds) #LiveGodsWay

Nehemiah really cared about this issue For a few reasons First that moral reason He knew that God had forbidden the people of Israel To charge each other interests And he wanted them to abide by that He cared because he wanted people to obey God So surely that's relevant for us too There are certain things we should do A certain way that we should live our life Because we want to obey God The Christian way of life isn't simply Just to please ourself But it's to seek God God what do you want me to do in this situation How do I obey God [01:10:05] (37 seconds)

And secondly there was a compassionate reason Nehemiah knew that God's heart was for the poor Through the whole of the Bible And especially in Jesus' ministry We see God's love for the poor And the marginalized For those who are outsiders Nehemiah has compassion And again that's something we should take from this Where is our compassion for those in need? Where and when are we ready to stand up And challenge those who exploit the poor And the weak [01:10:42] (36 seconds)

And finally there was a missional reason Nehemiah knew how this looked To his enemies To those who were looking on What kind of people were they to be doing this? They weren't united in love Caring for one another They were supposed to be modelling A different kind of community And that community should look attractive For people looking in And that also is so relevant for us Our church community should be one Of care and compassion So that when people who don't yet know Jesus Look in in our church They find that we care for one another That we love one another That we look out for one another There's a warm welcome for them here [01:11:20] (46 seconds)

So we look to Nehemiah's example And more than that We look on to Jesus Who would come to live out these same principles To obey God To have compassion To be ready to welcome The outsider To live God's way Maybe the challenge Is for us to live out All of these things too Here In ITW [01:12:08] (30 seconds)

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