God Rewards our Services for Him

Rev. Enoch Thompson | January 16, 2024 | Nehemiah 13:14

KEY VERSE:

Remember me for this, O my God, and do not blot out what I have so faithfully done for the house of my God and its services. Nehemiah 13:14 (NIV)

MESSAGE:

Our text for reflection today is one of the prayers of Nehemiah, “Remember me for this, O my God, and do not blot out what I have so faithfully done for the house of my God and its services.” Nehemiah 13:14 (NIV). The claims and requests of Nehemiah in this text are very clear.

We must understand that we cannot bribe God in our dealings with Him. True Kingdom citizens focus on serving the will and purposes of God, whether it profits them directly or indirectly.

While the above is true, the biblical revelation also teaches that we can approach the benevolence of God with a reference to the things we have done according to His will, in obedience to His Word and to His glory. A case in point is Nehemiah’s references to his works for God's purpose in restoring Israel; “Remember me for this, O my God, and do not blot out what I have so faithfully done for the house of my God and its services.”  (Nehemiah 13:14).

Reflect on the following to encourage your expectations that within the abundant grace of God, your personal acts for God make inroads for you in your transactions with the throne room of God:

“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” Heb. 6:10 (NIV).

¹² The word of the Lord came to me: ¹³ "Son of man, if a country sins against me by being unfaithful and I stretch out my hand against it to cut off its food supply and send famine upon it and kill its men and their animals, ¹⁴ even if these three men — Noah, Daniel and Job — were in it, they could save only themselves by their righteousness, declares the Sovereign Lord. Ezek. 14:12-14 (NIV).

FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:

Do you have a record of good doings before God in your favour? Can you lay hold of the hem of the divine garment and lay claim to deserving access? Determine that upon the grace of God available to all, you will climb with the strength of godliness and receive Heaven’s smile.

PRAYER:

Gracious Lord, I come to you as an undeserving sinner saved by grace and made into a saint. I depend solely on your grace but pray that grace will lead me into the holiness with which humans can see God (Heb. 12:14). For your dear Name’s sake, Amen.

THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.

SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!

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DAILY word study: REMEMBER ME  The Hebrew term for "remember" is "זָכַר" (Zakar), which means to recall, mention, or be mindful. "לִי" (Li) is a preposition meaning "for me" or "to me." So, "זָכַר לִי" (Zakar Li) is an earnest plea for God to remember or be mindful of Nehemiah. Throughout the Bible, the term "remember" is used in various contexts. In Genesis 8:1, God remembers Noah, and in Exodus 2:24, God remembers His covenant with Abraham. It often signifies God's faithful and compassionate nature.

Nehemiah is not asking for personal recognition but pleads with God to remember his faithful service to the house of God. This includes his efforts in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem and his commitment to the services in God's house. Psalm 25:6 expresses a similar sentiment: "Remember, O Lord, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old." This indicates a biblical pattern of calling on God to remember based on His character.

Reflections

Considering Nehemiah's prayer to be remembered for his faithful service, how does this inspire us to approach God with our deeds and commitment? How can we seek God's remembrance in alignment with His character and promises?