December 27 -- "Remember Me For Good"

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Today's Reading: Nehemiah 13

God is good.  All the time. Nehemiah's words, "Remember me for good," encapsulate both a desire for God's recognition of faithful service and a plea for His divine favor. It reminds us that our labor in the Lord is not in vain, and God sees and remembers every act of obedience, no matter how small it may seem.

The Hebrew phrase in Nehemiah 13:31, "remember me for good," can be understood two ways: (1) Remember the good I have done on Your behalf; and (2) Don’t forget to bless me with Your goodness and favor. Thus, this quick prayer of Nehemiah is one of asking for God’s blessing upon him for the good works he is doing and has done.

First, this speaks to the importance of leaving a legacy marked by faithfulness and righteousness. It reminds us that our actions in this life have a lasting impact and that we should seek to be remembered for the good we have done, especially in serving God and others. Without a doubt, Nehemiah made mistakes and committed sins during his lifetime, but his request here is that he wouldn’t be remembered for those things, but for the good he has done. While salvation is a gift of grace, the New Testament also speaks of God remembering His children for the good they have done. Hebrews 6:10 tells us, "For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name." This suggests that our actions, motivated by faith, can have eternal significance.

Second, in Nehemiah’s prayer, he is expressing the heartfelt plea, that God would never forget to shower his life with goodness and blessing. It's as if Nehemiah is saying, “Don't forget to do good things in my life, Lord." This cry echoes the deep longing we all share for God's continuous presence, favor, and blessings in our lives. It reflects a heart that understands the vital importance of God's hand of favor as the most essential element in our journey of faith.

"Being remembered" in the New Testament context signifies a deep and enduring connection with God and His people. It conveys a promise of divine favor, eternal life, and a lasting legacy. In reality, God will never forget to show His children His goodness and favor.  Throughout Scripture, we see countless assurances of God's faithfulness and steadfast love towards His people. Psalm 23:6 declares, "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Today's verse beautifully encapsulates God's unwavering commitment to showering His children with His goodness and favor.

May the Lord, who sees and remembers your faithful service, shower you with His goodness and favor. As you walk in His ways, may His steadfast love and mercy follow you all the days of your life.