Religion & Spirituality
14 Moreover, from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year to the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes the king, twelve years, neither I nor my brothers ate the food allowance of the governor. 15 The former governors who were before me laid heavy burdens on the people and took from them for their daily ration forty shekels of silver. Even their servants lorded it over the people. But I did not do so, because of the fear of God. 16 I also persevered in the work on this wall, and we acquired no land, and all my servants were gathered there for the work. 17 Moreover, there were at my table 150 men, Jews and officials, besides those who came to us from the nations that were around us. 18 Now what was prepared at my expense for each day was one ox and six choice sheep and birds, and every ten days all kinds of wine in abundance. Yet for all this I did not demand the food allowance of the governor, because the service was too heavy on this people. 19 Remember for my good, O my God, all that I have done for this people.1. When you hear the phrase “fear of the Lord,” what do you think? What comes to mind?2. How do you think assumptions about human origins impacts our treatment of people?3. What do you fear more than God?4. What positions of power do you hold, where is your sphere of influence? How are you using that power?5. What reasons do we have for how and why we use the resources given to us? For our generosity with them or lack thereof. Do they line up with fear of the Lord? 6. Do you see Jesus as someone who stoops to serve you? Do you believe you will get more of Jesus when you stoop to serve others?