Today, we hear that Nehemiah, as well as dealing with threats from neighbouring areas (Samaria), now has to deal with internal dissension. The cause of the trouble was a famine, made harder by the practice of the rich to charge interest when they lent money to the poor. This was against Jewish law, established by God (Deuteronomy 15: 7-11); which specified that the rich should make provision for the poor and they should not charge interest if they lent the poor any money. I like to mention the point that Satan rarely attacks, just on one front, he often tries to encircle us with problems.
The principle behind the Old Testament law, of not charging interest when lending to the poor, is still valid today – there is nothing wrong with money, in itself, as long as those who have a lot are willing to share what they have with those in need. The bottom line is that we should not depend on our wealth for a secure future but depend on Jesus for our eternal future. It’s important to remember that whatever help you provide to the poor, is the same amount of help you would be willing to give to Jesus! Do you agree?
Rich man – poor man
Today, we hear that Nehemiah, as well as dealing with threats from neighbouring areas (Samaria), now has to deal with internal dissension. The cause of the trouble was a famine, made harder by the practice of the rich to charge interest when they lent money to the poor. This was against Jewish law, established by God (Deuteronomy 15: 7-11); which specified that the rich should make provision for the poor and they should not charge interest if they lent the poor any money. I like to mention the point that Satan rarely attacks, just on one front, he often tries to encircle us with problems.
The principle behind the Old Testament law, of not charging interest when lending to the poor, is still valid today – there is nothing wrong with money, in itself, as long as those who have a lot are willing to share what they have with those in need. The bottom line is that we should not depend on our wealth for a secure future but depend on Jesus for our eternal future. It’s important to remember that whatever help you provide to the poor, is the same amount of help you would be willing to give to Jesus! Do you agree?