A Heavy Burden
Nehemiah 5:17 Moreover there were at my table an hundred and fifty of the Jews and rulers, beside those that came unto us from among the heathen that are about us.
The burden of the leader is not a light one. So many come to be part of the work, many come just to be carried and many come to benefit. Many are ghost workers, this is a term referring to work that does not exist, for whom there is no worker – but wages are still paid. The bill of the leader is a heavy bill. There is also a personal toll. So many come for personal favors, most assume that the leader is already financially blessed and controls vast wealth and they come (especially relatives) expecting to be favored and to be helped. The leader would give, not just time but also self and the little bread he has will often have to be given out. Nehemiah explains that there are many mouths to be fed … many who expect that Nehemiah has received bread and wine in large quantities and they have come to help in its distribution and consumption.
They will not believe that the leader does not enjoy access to largesse that must be shared. The leader must often quietly bear many burdens … most will be unfair.
The leader is generous but not with official or government assets. He acts as a steward accountable to the owners … to all the people, not just those who voted them in. But there remains a higher stewardship and accountability to God. Many will wish they never went near public assets on that coming day of accounting (judgment) that all will attend. Do not take your election lightly..
Verses for further meditation
Luke 18:22 ; 1 Ti 6:18
Thoughts for Business and the work place
Leaders are generous yet still always above board …givers, but unstained by receiving filthy lucre.
Suggestions for Prayer
Lord, teach me to understand generosity …and to be a giver, yet unstained by corruption.
As Nehemiah’s wall was built, so will we see a reconstruction in all that may appear in distress and in waste. Nehemiah trusted and feared God, putting his faith in the Almighty whose strength is limitless to exceed all our expectations. Look out daily for Nehemiah’s Wall in 2015 and do invite friends to subscribe to the free email or social media posts.
I am praying someone with a burden to be used by God in building will receive a fresh vision and get the job done.
To subscribe to the devotional, please enter your email address (the left column) above the “subscribe” button (and enter on the green button). God bless you.
Recessionproofchristianlife.com is a privately owned blog/media site started in 2009 as the internet ministry of the author. It promotes the absolute authority and divine inspiration of the Holy Bible as the Word of God – Infallible and Sufficient.
