Remember Me

Prayer in Nehemiah (13)

“Remember me, my God, for good, according to all that I have done for this people.” (Nehemiah 5:19, NKJV) 

Well into the book of Nehemiah, we learn that he had been appointed governor in the land of Judah, after he had served in that role from 445 to 433 B. C. He was in a position of authority and was entitled to all the honor and perks that went along with that position. 

The reason Nehemiah mentions his office, however, is not to boost his esteem in the eyes of others or to make demands of them. Rather, he emphasizes that he did not use his position for self-benefit or to lord it over the people. He says, “Moreover, from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year until the thirty-second year of King Artaxerxes, twelve years, neither I nor my brothers ate the governor’s provisions” (Neh. 5:14). 

Though he had a right to partake of the governor’s provisions, he would not do so. Though he had authority to make demands, he refused to. Why? He tells us: “I did not do so, because of the fear of God” (Neh. 5:15). 

In other words, Nehemiah saw himself and his role in reference to the will of God. In the model of a servant leader, he would neither abuse his authority nor misuse his position. He would be an example to the flock over which God had established him. 

Nehemiah’s focus would not be his own kingdom but God’s. “Indeed, I also continued the work on this wall, and we did not buy any land. All my servants were gathered there for the work” (Neh. 5:16). Nehemiah would be diligent and focused on God’s work. He would lead others in God’s work. 

We are reminded of our Lord Jesus who set aside His rightful glory for the sake of the mission. In similar fashion, the apostle Paul could have made demands as an apostle but he did not (1 Thess. 2:6-9). We are called to the same posture, servants of God ready to seek first His kingdom and not our own. 

We marvel at the attitude of Nehemiah who did not grasp for himself but instead gave himself for others. But then we might be taken aback at his bottom line expressed in prayer: “Remember me, my God, for good, according to all that I have done for this people” (Neh. 5:19). 

At first hearing, it seems that Nehemiah was in it for himself, commending himself to God on the basis of his efforts. He will again mention his good works in the closing chapter of the book. “Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and do not wipe out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God, and for its services!” (Neh. 13:14; see also 13:22) In fact, the entire book closes on that note: “Remember me, O my God, for good!” (13:31)

What are we to make of Nehemiah’s prayer? We might note several things. One, Nehemiah does not hold out the good he has done, including the sacrifices he has made, as the basis for his approach to God. Later in his extended prayer, he highlights the grace, mercy, and covenant love of God for His dealings with men. 

Two, Nehemiah is commending himself and his efforts to God. He has been faithful to his calling and that is owed to the handiwork of God. In the fear of God he would not elevate himself or bring glory to himself, but would render unto God all glory, honor, and praise. Nehemiah’s recognition of the good he has done would itself be an answer to prayer. 

Three, Nehemiah is acting in faithfulness to God, in contrast to the rebellion that characterized the reason for their exile. God promised to bless faithfulness (Psalm 1; Neh. 1:5-9). Asking God to “remember” is a way of keeping God’s promises at the fore. Ultimately, of course, the faithfulness God would remember and bless is the perfect obedience of His Son on behalf of those He came to save. 

Asking God to remember the good we have done is in no way fueled by pride. Rather, it is steeped in humility and expressive of allegiance to God and submission to Him. 

How can we find satisfaction in our obedience without succumbing to pride? What does that look like in our prayer? 

If you have found this meditation helpful, take a moment and give thanks to God. Then share what you learned with a friend. This is how the grace of God spreads (2 Cor. 4.15). 

Except as indicated, all Scriptures are taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.