September 21 - Nehemiah and St. Matthew

Nehemiah was a rich text today, after a conversation with some brothers lamenting the lack of repentance in their people. And yet, there are the rich in Nehemiah's day who do repent at his preaching. The example of Matthew also indicates the same, though there is no specific word from the Bible that says Matthew was guilty of charging unfair taxes. On the other hand, Jesus does seem to say in Matthew's house that he needed to receive mercy. Also from the Nehemiah text was what to do when you are trying to deal with rumors about what you are up to: Pray to God to strengthen you.