Nehemiah

Ooops, I have them out of order biblically, but they are chronological. Nehemiah fits after Esther, though the description could fit a number of nations:

The nation was in crisis. Drought brought a lack of food, though the very wealthy and those in political power were able to take care of themselves. Workers were spending so much time on rebuilding that they had no time to gather their own food. Landowners had mortgaged their homes and farms because of the drought and were unable to pay back, losing their homes, income and heritage. Taxes, too, were high. The nation came to Nehemiah crying out against those in power, their own people, asking for help:

And there was a great cry of the people and of their wives against their brethren the Jews. For there were that said, We, our sons, and our daughters, are many: therefore we take up corn for them, that we may eat, and live. Some also there were that said, We have mortgaged our lands, vineyards, and houses, that we might buy corn, because of the dearth. There were also that said, We have borrowed money for the king's tribute, and that upon our lands and vineyards. (Nehemiah 5:1-4 KJV)

How different is that from today?

Nehemiah’s reaction is much as ours is today, too:

And I was very angry when I heard their cry and these words. … Also I said, It is not good that ye do: ought ye not to walk in the fear of our God because of the reproach of the heathen our enemies? (Nehemiah 5:6, 9 KJV)

It does make a difference how others perceive us. Our actions reflect upon on our beliefs, our morals, the very fabric of our lives – whether as a family, a community or a nation. How do we wish others to see us? Fractured and vulnerable, or strong and working together?

Nehemiah set the example for the nation.

Moreover from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year even unto the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that is, twelve years, I and my brethren have not eaten the bread of the governor. (Nehemiah 5:14 KJV)

Unlike previous governors, Nehemiah did not take what was due him, laboring instead along side his people people. That gave him the opportunity, the right, to ask those in power:

Restore, I pray you, to them, even this day, their lands, their vineyards, their oliveyards, and their houses, also the hundredth part of the money, and of the corn, the wine, and the oil, that ye exact of them. (Nehemiah 5:11 KJV)

Following his example, their response was:

Then said they, We will restore them, and will require nothing of them; so will we do as thou sayest. Then I called the priests, and took an oath of them, that they should do according to this promise. (Nehemiah 5:12 KJV)

Those who do so can pray with him as he did in the chapter’s close:

Think upon me, my God, for good, according to all that I have done for this people. (Nehemiah 5:19 KJV)