Return their fields, vineyards, olive groves, and houses to them immediately, along with the percentage of the money, grain, new wine, and olive oil that you have been assessing them.” They responded: “We will return these things and require nothing more from them. We will do as you say.” So I summoned the priests and made everyone take an oath to do this. Nehemiah 5:11-12
Our church recently consolidated two loans into one loan at a much lower interest rate. As with any loan, we had to provide a great deal of documentation for the bank before they would loan us the money. At the closing appointment, I signed a promissory note on behalf of the church promising that the church would pay back the loan.
Nehemiah requested that the nobles and officials who had gotten rich from taking advantage of those who were less fortunate immediately return what they had taken. They did not argue or complain but freely promised to return the things they had taken. They were convicted that what they had been doing was wrong and they repented and decided to do what was right in the eyes of God. Nehemiah required that they take an oath in the presence of the priests.
Challenge: Ask God to bring to your mind those things you are doing that are wrong and against God’s laws. Ask for forgiveness and promise to do what is right.