RIGHTEOUS ANGER
FOCUSED DETERMINATION: BUILDING A LIFE THAT HONORS GOD IN A WORLD OF OPPOSITION (25 DAYS IN EZRA AND NEHEMIAH) - DAY 16
One of the worst things about living in a broken world is witnessing when unscrupulous people try to take advantage of vulnerable people who have experienced a crisis. After Hurricane Andrew devastated a community in Florida, survivors complained of price gouging by local business owners and looting of their damaged homes. Sadly, people who don’t fear God will ravage the defenseless to serve their own greed. The response to their cry of despair should be righteous anger that takes action to address the injustice.
When we see injustice, we simply should not stay silent and turn a blind eye to the pain of a soul in distress. Nehemiah hears the outcry from those overcome by despair, and He does not remain passive. The rich were taking advantage of the poor by using them as indentured servants out of greed instead of helping them as brothers out of generosity. Nehemiah called out the unscrupulous wealthy who were taking advantage of the vulnerable, and thankfully they responded well and repented.
Nehemiah led by example by not only refusing to take a food allowance from the governor, but also by generously providing meals for others at his expense. He chose to fear God and persevere in the work. This humble servant refused to live indebted to man.
Friend, our righteous anger should compel us to help the hurting when they cry out in their distress. Jesus challenged us to love the “least of these’ as if we were caring for Him. (See Matthew 25) As women who fear God and follow His commands, let’s resolve to speak out against injustice and extend God’s compassion to the vulnerable.
FUEL FOR THOUGHT:
“It is not good to be partial to the wicked and so deprive the innocent of justice.” (Proverbs 18:5, NIV)