Church in ruins: justice, focus and service

A church in ruins, usually implies severe economic problems. More often than not, this includes preying people who exploit the weak and vulnerable as they carve out a career for themselves. Justice and the Law of God should apply equitably.  Nehemiah is willing to confront the rich and powerful who violate the rules of Scripture with their capitalist values. He actually forces them to give back money they acquired by means of usury, as well as lands, vineyards and olivegroves. True repentance, penitent actions not mere words! 

They also agree to do the right thing in the future. One of the reasons why this worked, was Nehemiah's personal example. Out of reverence for God, he did not dare live in luxury while many of his fellow Jews struggled to survive. Instead of accumulating wealth and setting up successful agricultural businesses for himself, he and his man devoted themselves to rebuilding the wall. In this way,  Jerusalem becamea safe place again, protected from unscrupulous men on the inside and from declared enemies on the outside.