A FAITHFUL MAN WHO FEARED GOD ABOVE MANY
Mike Johnson
The book of Nehemiah tells about the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. This work was done by the Jews who returned from the Babylonian captivity. After completing the walls, Nehemiah appointed Hanani, his brother, and Hananiah as rulers of Jerusalem. It is interesting to note the statement made about Hananiah at this time. Nehemiah 7:2 says his appointment was because “he was a faithful man, who feared God more than many.” No doubt, many in Jerusalem feared God. Hananiah, however, was more serious in his devotion than most. We know very little information about this person, but this statement says a great deal.
When someone dies, people typically say good things about them, summarize their lives, and note accomplishments, which can be valuable. However, whether a person had a lot of money, was a prominent civic leader, or whether a person was esteemed highly will not matter when the Judgment comes. There is another issue of much greater importance. What is of paramount importance is this: after we die, can people correctly say of us that we were faithful to God, and we feared Him above many? If so, this would be the most significant statement made about us. The only thing of importance then will be whether we were in a proper relationship with God. Does the comment made about Hananiah summarize our lives today? Are we faithful to God, and do we fear Him more than many?