Nehemiah 10 -- Would WE Have Done It?

The Jewish people with Nehemiah all gathered together and took an oath.  It says that it was tied to a curse in case they broke it, but the curse wasn't listed with the oath.

They swore not to let their children marry non-Jews.  They swore not to purchase any items on the Sabbath or on any holy days.  They swore not to plant their fields in crops every seventh year. 

They swore to give an 1/8 oz of silver to the Temple every year and drew lots to determine when each family would haul wood to the Temple each year for burning the offerings. 

They swore to bring the first bushel of every crop, every fruit and vegetable; the first measure of every year's pressing of olive oil, and the first young born of each animal as well.

They also agreed to forgive any debts they were owed by others every seven years.

Would we have done that?  How hard would it have been to take that gallon of olive oil they'd worked so hard to harvest and press?  That treasured first little calf?  And in that sixth and seventh year, would we be hesitant to lend, knowing we might not get it back?  And how tempting might it be to run to the market to get something rather than do without on Saturday?

And about that wood-- might we try to trade out with someone else several times so that we conveniently wouldn't end up being inconvenienced by having to labor at the church?

Father, they were putting feet to their promises.  Help me to do the same, not fudging, not figuring ways around, not hesitating to help.  You are definitely worth it!

Sent from my iPad

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford