Remember Me

Remember me,
O my God, for good.

Nehemiah 13:31c

For a lifetime the world witnessed a humble life at work. Most people understood the why of her endeavors fewer could understand the Who. It was difficult to put into a “worldly” context a life lived in obedience to God. Nevertheless, Mother Teresa’s journals express a very basic spiritual emotion—does God even care. How many times have you wanted to say the words of Mother Teresa--“I feel like refusing God.”

Nehemiah’s life took a drastic turn when he lived his life in obedience to God. After moving to Jerusalem he encountered one barrier after another attempting to thwart the good work God had called him to do. And when the wall was finished his “enemies” were afraid because they knew that it was a result of God’s help (Nehemiah 6:15-16). Enemies that are afraid can’t be trusted and yet Nehemiah continued--restoring, rebuilding; helping the Jewish community to return their focus on the Who of their existence.

By the end of his life this humble cup bearer accomplished much more than anyone ever anticipated. What had started as a construction job turned into a life long mission. True, the physical walls were completed but in the process Nehemiah realized that the spiritual foundation of the community had been compromised and so he keeps obeying.

They lived obedient lives. But, Nehemiah and Mother Teresa both shared a doubt--was their good work enough to be remembered by the God who had called them to obedience.

We are the recipients of God’s loving memory.

God, thank you for those
who have lived before us
revealing that an obedient
life is a life that You remember.
My desire is to do Your good work;
living a life of obedience.
Remember me, O my God.
Amen.

Artwork--Creation, Marc Chagall, 1960. Gallerie Art Churdim