The Daily: Wednesday January 14, 2026

'So I called together a large meeting to deal with them.'Nehemiah 5:7

After listening and processing his anger, Nehemiah made a crucial decision: he called a public assembly. This wasn't a private meeting with a few key leaders or a behind-closed-doors negotiation. It was a transparent, public gathering where everyone could see what was happening and participate in the solution. This choice reveals something important about how real change happens. Problems that thrive in darkness often wither when exposed to light. The wealthy leaders who were exploiting their neighbors had been operating in the shadows, but Nehemiah brought their actions into the open where they could be addressed honestly. In this assembly, something beautiful happened: those with power were asked to listen, and those who had been harmed were finally seen. The suffering that had been invisible became visible. The responsibility that had been avoided became shared. Truth was spoken in a space where it could actually make a difference.

Public assemblies create accountability in ways that private conversations cannot. When issues are addressed transparently, with the whole community present, it becomes much harder for people to ignore problems or avoid responsibility. There's something powerful about gathering people together to name truth and work toward solutions. This doesn't mean we should air every grievance publicly or create unnecessary drama. But it does mean that some problems require community-wide attention and community-wide solutions. When we bring issues into the light with respect and intentionality, we create opportunities for healing and change that simply aren't possible in isolation. Nehemiah understood that lasting solutions require shared ownership. By creating a public moment for truth-telling, he ensured that the whole community would be invested in making things right.

Reflection
What situation in your life or community might benefit from transparent, respectful dialogue rather than private complaints or behind-the-scenes maneuvering?

Prayer
God, give me wisdom to know when issues need to be brought into the light for healing and resolution. Help me to create spaces where truth can be spoken with love and where all voices can be heard. Grant me courage to address problems transparently when needed. Amen.