Recently I wrote a study for our teams based on a passage from the book of Nehemiah, found in the old testament of the Bible. History tells us Nehemiah was displaced & forcibly held in service of a foreign king. As the story begins we find Nehemiah in despair because the city of his ancestors lies in ruins. But, the story continues to unfold with Nehemiah finding favour with the king and he is commissioned to return to his city and restore it to its former glory. Time and again Nehemiah overcame all sorts of obstacles and threats from a variety of enemies of his nation.
However, about halfway through the project he hit a different kind of obstacle. A threat to the progress from within the community. In the midst of the rebuilding process times were hard, supplies were scarce and people had begun to look to those who were better off for loans, land sales and mortgages so they could afford what they needed. It got so bad many had sold everything and taken out loans so high they inevitably had to forfeit, selling even members of their own families into servitude in order to survive.
Peace hope and joy were nearly extinguished until Nehemiah stood up and reminded the community unless they take care of each other rebuilding the city will become pointless. He reminds his fellow citizens the city is not only about the architecture, but is primarily about community.
This story is a story of a nation struggling in exile before discovering external oppression is not the only enemy but, how we treat our neighbours within has every significance. Regardless of whether you subscribe to faith I hope this story encourages us it’s not only officials responsibility to take care of community but our collective responsibility. So let’s be kind, be generous, gracious and compassionate and together lets love our communities to life.
Long may our neighbours come alive as we live generously, graciously and compassionately.