by Ric Palma

Foolhardiness and arrogance are traits that can sometimes develop with the growth of authority and power. Unfortunately, the repercussions of such things are that the weak and the defenseless often suffer mercilessly. Even during the tragedies of natural disasters – famines, floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis, and the like – the victims often experience a double indignity when those who have the means to provide assistance, instead, take advantage of, and profit from, the situation.

Nehemiah, the meaning of whose name belies his innate motivation –“Yahweh comforts or has compassion” – distinguishes himself as one whose power and authority does not “go to his head.” He governs selflessly, thinking not of himself, but of the welfare of the governed. He does not live and eat lavishly, at the expense of others. Instead, he assures that subjects who own property are able to keep it, and taxes on it are not excessively exacted. The food is shared with those who are in need.

In these days, when we learn of the mysterious disappearance of funds collected for those affected by disasters, let us be mindful of God’s accounting. In our lives, we will be constantly challenged with opportunities to give unselfishly to those in a less fortunate estate. As our lot improves, whether in wealth or in position, may we be motivated, as Nehemiah before us, to proclaim, “I did not act thusly, because of the fear of God.”

A fellow traveler,
Ric