The Best Man
Today’s Verse:
That I gave my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the ruler of the palace, charge over Jerusalem: for he was a faithful man, and feared God above many. ~Nehemiah 7:2
When we use the phrase, “the best man,” we tend to think of the best friend of the bridegroom, who stands alongside of him at his marriage ceremony. It is a position of honor and great respect. It is publicly letting other people know of the closeness and trust the two men have. This morning, we are looking at a best man, but not in the context of a wedding. We are considering the best man to oversee a positon of trust and responsibility. This morning, let us see a man named Hanani.
We see that he was FAMILY.
Hanani was the brother of Nehemiah. From what we can tell, Nehemiah and Hanani were brothers who had a strong respect and trust for each other. They were brothers who were close. They were brothers who were confidants. They were brothers who had convictions. “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity,” Prov. 17:17. It was during a difficult time in the history of Israel that we find Hanani being mentioned alongside of Nehemiah. Hanani was a brother born for adversity.
We see that he was FAITHFUL.
The walls and gates of Jerusalem had been rebuilt. As the city of Jerusalem had become a place of safety again, Nehemiah needed a man to be in charge of the day-to-day matters, who was trustworthy and reliable. Hanani fit this description. To be faithful means to have an excellent track record with other people. To be faithful means to be loyal to your relationships. To be faithful means to give yourself completely to your task until it is completed or successful. To be faithful means you cannot be bribed, bought, or beguiled. “Most men will proclaim everyone his own goodness; but a faithful man who can find?” He didn’t toot his own horn. He demonstrated complete commitment to the cause and needs of his people, the Jews. Nehemiah needed a faithful man to help him oversee the affairs of the Jews on a day-to-day basis. Hanani was that man.
We see that he was a man who had FEELINGS.
By this, I am referring to the fact he had a deep patriotism and heart for the city of Jerusalem. When the city was in ruins, he was not critical or disrespectful of its condition. He brought an accurate report back to Nehemiah. I imagine that there were tears in his eyes and brokenness in his heart as he relayed the sad condition of the city. When Nehemiah stepped up to rebuild the walls and gates, Hanani was alongside of him every step of the way. Does the sight of sinners in need of Jesus move you with compassion? Does the need of other believers who are struggling in their trials move you to tears? May the Lord help us to always have a soft heart for the needs of others.
We see that he was a man who was FAVORABLE.
First, he feared God above many. It was good that he was a faithful man. It was even greater that feared God above many. We need men who are not only God-fearing, but men who fear God above many. It will cost you greatly to fear God above others. You will be despised and rejected for being a God-fearing man. Second, his name means “gracious.” I believe Hanani was a man who was level-headed, listened carefully, and treated everyone with decency and respect. Nehemiah needed a man who could deal well with the people in his absence, and instill confidence in their hearts. Hanani was this kind of man.
Hands down, Hanani was “the best man for the job.” Are you faithful, God-fearing, possessing a great attitude, and someone who can be trusted with the lives of other people? If so, you too, can be the “best man” for the job!
Have a faithful God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Deuteronomy 14-16