A Spirit of Generosity



Scripture

Neh. 5: 16 Indeed, I devoted myself to the work on this wall, and acquired no land; and all my servants were gathered there for the work. 17 Moreover there were at my table one hundred fifty people, Jews and officials, beside those who came to us from the nations around us. 18 Now that which was prepared for one day was one ox and six choice sheep; also fowls were prepared for me, and every ten days skins of wine in abundance; yet with all this I did not demand the food allowance of the governor, because of the heavy burden of labor on the people. 19 Remember for my good, O my God, all that I have done for this people.

Observation

It had come to Nehemiah’s attention that certain Jews were becoming wealthy over the recovery of Jerusalem. Those returning home from exile had little to offer and they needed to establish their lives. Those with goods to sell were willing to offer credit, but it came with a high price. Suddenly those who had escaped slavery in a foreign land found themselves sold as slaves to their own people. Nehemiah was furious. This was to be a time when all the Jews worked together to help one another and transform the city. He was angry and expressed his feelings at a gathering of all the leaders. They agreed to give back all the interest they had charged and to work together fairly with their brothers and sisters.

Nehemiah always chose to live his life as an example to the people. He refused to take any food from the governor, although it was a portion of his allowance. Instead, he generously gave what he had to feed not only himself, but the guests whom he invited to his house every day. He took the opportunity to show hospitality to others as a way to help feed the community. He went above and beyond the call of duty in his action, showing generosity in a very visible way. This was his way of showing the leaders that he meant to give more than just lip service to his expectations for all of them. He and his household would demonstrate what it was that he wanted to accomplish among the people. It cost him a great deal, but for him it was simply living out the calling which God had placed upon his life. The spirit of generosity reflected his love for God. 

Application

While growing up Sunday dinners were always a wonderful and special event. Mom would cook something special, always preparing more than enough food. We were all welcome to invite guests to come to the Sunday dinner table. Extra potatoes were in the oven and more places could be squeezed in at the table. The finest china was always used. Someone once asked my mother why she would use her best china all the time and she told them that it was to be enjoyed and shared with others, not stored in a cabinet. She enjoyed the beauty of setting a lovely table, and the joy of sharing food and fellowship together. My mother’s spirit of generosity, even in the midst of scarcity, made an impression on me. 

God’s people are called to be a generous people. Even when we may be “allowed” to have particular resources, maybe we shouldn’t take them. Instead, as followers of Christ we are to model what it means to use what we have to serve others. Everything that we have has been given to us by God — yes, even that which has been gained by hard work. We are to be good stewards of that which God has allowed us to receive and we are to use it for the sake of the kingdom. 

Nehemiah’s spirit of generosity allowed for him to fellowship with Jews within his community. He was also able to invite officials to his table, and people from many other nations. By modeling the generosity of God, he became a better leader, developing relationships with many different people who would be engaged in decision making. He was able to bring very different people together around his table and, more than likely, broke down walls of hostility by breaking bread together. He was a generous man who saw his resources as tools to be leveraged in service to God. Every resource we have may be used for the kingdom and transformation when we live a life of intentional generosity. 
Prayer


Lord, may the abundance of my life e used in service to you.  Amen. 

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