The Old Testament is peopled with interesting characters. Nehemiah is probably known as the man who led the citizens of Jerusalem to rebuild the city walls. What a model of leadership he was! Before he began organizing a building team, however, he first acknowledged that a need existed. The “remnant” to which this scripture refers is the population of Jews who had been set free from exile (which had taken place two years earlier) as well as those who were allowed to stay in the city when the Babylonians invaded it; the province refers to Judah. These people were afflicted (miserable and distressed) and in reproach (shamed and taunted). The word “great” preceding the descriptions probably means they were intensely miserable and shamed.

Still today there are miserable people in need of redemption. Do we take notice of them? Do we care? It is so easy to get caught up in our own little world that we miss the needs of people around us. The needs might seem too great and therefore we leave them for someone else to address. But if we are God’s children, we are called to serve in His name. It’s important that we choose to acknowledge the suffering of others. That’s step one: Be aware. Tomorrow we’ll look at step two.