Nehemiah 5

The Explanation

Listen. In a big city called Jerusalem, something was wrong. Very wrong.

The people were sad. Some mommies and daddies were crying. Do you know why? They were hungry. Their tummies were empty. There was no bread.

The daddies said, "We have no food for our children!" The mommies said, "Our little ones are hungry!"

And it got worse. Some rich people said, "You can borrow money from us. But then you must give us your field. And your house. And your children have to work for us." Oh, that was not nice. That was not nice at all.

There was one man. His name was Nehemiah. Nehemiah loved God. And Nehemiah loved the people.

When Nehemiah heard it, he became angry. Very angry. But it was a good kind of angry.

Nehemiah called all the rich people together. He said, "Stop! This is not right! Give the fields back. Give the houses back. Give the children back. And no more asking for money!"

The rich people were quiet. They looked at their feet. And then they said, "Yes. We will do it. We will give it all back."

And they did. Isn't that wonderful?

What Does This Mean?

God sees when someone is sad. God sees when someone is hungry. God does not think, "Oh well, never mind." No. God cares.

And God is happy when big people help little people. When people who have much share with people who have little.

The Common Thread

Nehemiah helped the poor people. He made sure they had food again. And their houses. And their children.

Later, someone else came. His name was Jesus. Jesus also loved poor people. Jesus gave hungry people bread. Jesus hugged the little children. Jesus is even better than Nehemiah. Because Jesus helps everyone who comes to Him.

For You

Do you have a piece of bread? Then you may share it. Do you have a toy? Then you may share it. Do you see a child who is sad? Then you may sit next to him.

That makes God happy. Really happy.

And do you know what? When you have nothing left, God still sees you. God always sees you. He never forgets you.

Talk About It

What would you do if you saw a child who had no bread?

Who can you share something with today, maybe at kindergarten or at home?

Praying Together

Dear God,

Thank You that You see me. Thank You that You see the children who are hungry. Please help them, God. And help me to share. With my bread. With my toys. With my hug.

Thank You for Jesus.

Amen.