Government Stimulus | Like Nehemiah or Naaman?

I have had many ask me what I feel about the Coronavirus stimulus. In October I shared a series of messages on changing the world by picking the right leaders. One of my encouragements was to choose a government that chooses compassion. Why? Because God is very concerned for those in need. So much so, that He ordered worship and civil authority with patterns of caring for the poor.

Three tithes were mandated and one of them was specifically for the care of the poor. In Deuteronomy 14.28-29, scripture specifically says, “Do this that God may bless you.” I want God’s blessing on America. Deuteronomy 15.11 we read a command to be openhanded toward those who are poor and needy. Proverbs 19.17 and 28.27 are further examples of God’s heart for the needy and the blessings promised for our awareness and action in caring for them.

At the simplest of levels, I do not have a problem with a government that does what scripture commands.

I can already hear the arguments. I am aware of all the issues of the current stimulus discussion. Is everyone in need? Is it wise stewardship to give out checks indiscriminately? What about deficit spending and generational debt? Isn’t that immoral? I am in agreement with all that. That is why I say at the base level, I support a government that cares for the poor. But I do not think those are the issues we need to discuss.

To me, the bigger issue is do we see money as the answer to our problems? Do we see stimulus as the solution? Are we putting our hopes and faith in federal government resources? Or are we lifting our eyes to the heavens from where our help comes? Does our help come from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth?

Nehemiah vs Naaman

There are two men in scripture who get government “stimulus” to fix their problems. We can compare Naaman in 2 Kings 5 and Nehemiah in Nehemiah 5. Read these two chapters and look for these contrasts:

Naaman first went to the government even though he was told by the Israelite slave girl to go to the man of God.
Nehemiah first went to God (Nehemiah 1) and after four months of prayer and fasting, he went to the government (Nehemiah 2).

Naaman saw the resources (gold, silver, clothes) as the means of securing his saving. He expected that to fix what was wrong with him.
Nehemiah saw the resources (timber, supplies, food) as his means of serving. He used them to honor the One whom he knew could right what was wrong.

Naaman became offended when the incredible resources (nearly $3mil today) did not get him what he wanted.
Nehemiah became defender of the poor with the resources he received, teaching others by example to be a blessing to those in need.

How to be a Nehemiah with the Stimulus

First, keep your eyes on the true Giver.

If your boss, business, family, or government is seen as your ultimate provider, you will be in a world of hurt when those let you down. They will let you down. Nehemiah said in verse 15-16 of chapter 5, “But out of reverence for God, I did not act like this. Instead, I devoted myself to the work on this wall.” Nehemiah would not give up his Kingdom calling and focus on God for all the money in the world.

Second, Nehemiah imitated the true Giver.

In verses 14 and 17, he says for 12 years he used the food allotted to him to feed 150 people at his table…every day…150 people! He could have put a tax burden on them. He could have taken real estate. Instead he chose generosity and care. He used the government resources at his disposal to imitate the true Giver and show care and compassion for people.

Third, Nehemiah understood you cannot out give the true Giver.

God met everyone of Nehemiah’s needs. He is the giver of all good gifts. But God also provides for us, you and me, the perfect gift. Our greatest need is to be forgiven and restored to God. So God gave His Son, the perfect lamb that takes away the sins of the world. Paul says in 2 Corinthians 9.15, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” Paul says I cannot fully explain it, I can just give thanks for it. You cannot out give the one who gives you everything.

We should note that it did not end badly for Naaman. Though he struggled, he ultimately obeyed and became a worshiper of the true Giver. Jesus says of him in Luke 4.27, of all the lepers in Elisha’s time, Naaman was the only one to be healed. There is nothing God cannot touch, redeem, and restore in your life. He is the answer, not anyone or anything else — including government stimulus.

My hope for you is that you use your stimulus resources as Nehemiah. Bring glory to God and bless people.