Remember me with favor, my God.
Nehemiah 13:31b NIV
Nehemiah is an interesting character. He was among the Jewish people living in exile. He served in an honored position as the cupbearer to the king of Persia, a position of great responsibility. And his heart was devoted to the Lord God. After approaching the king of Persia about the condition of Jerusalem, he was sent back to rebuild its walls. And he stayed on for some years as the governor of the province. The book bearing his name is a first-person account of his work in Jerusalem and the reforms he was responsible for. Nehemiah was extremely zealous for the Lord and did all he could to lead the people in worshipping God and living up to their covenant obligations. Three times in this closing chapter he echos the words of this verse. Including here at the end of the book.
Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant
While some might view this as a plea for God to reward him for his faithfulness, I see it otherwise. Nehemiah, at the end of his story, can look back on his life and be satisfied. Satisfied that he has served God to the best of his ability. He is looking forward to hearing the Lord say to him “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matt. 25:21). I cannot begin to tell you how often I fall short, taking my eyes off of Christ (Heb. 12:1-2) and the prize that awaits me (Phil. 3:12-14). But, like Nehemiah, at the end of my story, I long to have God remember me with favor. That my life was one that brought him honor and glory.
My Life is a bag of sins, & very few deeds. I have believed in Jesus, his Father & the word since I was a Young Boy. Satan made a Colonel in his pitiful Army & I was stuck. I’m not even certain that I have enough time left to find my way to the glory land, before the Rapture finds me lacking. Most of my life has been a secular one, although I made it to Church occasionally. When I’m there, I can never control my tears & they run rampantly. I thank the Lord for the good life I’ve had & I thank him for my wife. I’d hate to see her lifting up to the sky & find that I’m left to deal with my sins….
As long as you have physical life, it is not too late. Commit your life to him, making him your Lord. And the past will not matter.
Am a middle aged female seeking JESUS intervention in my family lives and our every day responsibilities of our duties
He will help you in this if you pray in faith. But you should not expect that all of your problems will disappear. He will be with you through them. And use them to help you grow spiritually. But he has never promised that our life here would be free of pain and suffering.
Me as well. When my life is over I want to be able to say I used every talent you gave me God.
And to hear him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”