Nehemiah 5:6-19
Feeling indignant and "very angry", Nehemiah summoned the nobles and rulers in front of the rest of the people. It is to rebuke them as they deserve! Those who are in the wrong accept the fact – not just because Nehemiah is the governor, but because he himself sets the example of unselfish love! He has renounced the personal privileges to which his position entitled him and that now allows him to ask these rulers to act in the same way. Example is the golden rule to obtain anything at all from one’s fellow man. The apostle Paul always made it his aim to be an example to the believers he instructed (Acts 20:35; 1 Corinthians 4:16; 1 Corinthians 10:32-33 . . .). Above all else let us think about the divine Master. He said to His disciples: "I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you" (John 13:15). But at the same time He put them on their guard against the scribes and Pharisees: "All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not" (Matthew 23:3). The crowds noticed the difference: Jesus taught them "as one having authority, and not as the scribes" (Matthew 7:29).