Hebraic Musing – What
made Nehemiah a Great Leader?
If you are in any kind
of leadership role in God’s Kingdom (and if not, why not?) then God has given
you a task much bigger than you can handle on your own. And in our “New Normal” you are likely to be
facing big, new challenges. Nehemiah
heard of a big problem to which he responded. “Those
who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and
disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned
with fire.” Neh.1:3 NIV How big was the problem? For 80 years exiled Israelites thought
restoration was hopeless. There are four
critical characteristics in Nehemiah’s account that are found in great leaders.*
Compelling
Purpose - You need a vision
that drives you forward. Nehemiah
had dissenters scheming to discourage him, and four times he had to tell them -
“I am carrying on a great project and
cannot go down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and go down to you?” Neh.6:3
He knew this project mattered; he was committed to a great cause in the
Kingdom of God. He was not to be
distracted by distractors or trivial matters.
The task was a singular priority.
Clear Perception - You also need to be able to see trouble
ahead of you. Whenever you attempt
something big and important, trouble will come your way. Nehemiah had incredible discernment. Whenever a trap came up, he sensed it. For example, he knew the enemy’s plans - “But
they were scheming to harm me” Neh. 6:2 How did Nehemiah know this? He was perceptive. Where does a leader
get this necessary perceptive wisdom? We
can only get it one way - “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God”
James 1:5. By spending time in the Word of God, we are taking on the mind
of Christ which results in a uniquely perceptive leader.
Continual Prayer - Nehemiah was a prayer addict! When faced with a challenge, how did he
respond? “For all of them were trying to frighten us, thinking, ‘They will become
discouraged with the work and it will not be done.’ But now, O God, strengthen my hands.” Rick Warren explained it this way - “That’s all you need to do, too. If people are falsely accusing you as a
leader, you don’t need a lengthy defense. Just say, ‘It’s not true,’ and then take it to
the Lord.” Sometimes the accusation
is not deliberately false, just discouraging, distracting or otherwise
hindering. When in doubt, remember - ♫ What a
privilege it is to carry, Everything to God in prayer. ♫
Nehemiah didn’t retaliate, he simply said what they said wasn’t true—and
prayed about it.
Courageous
Persistence – If you are inclined to
take-on a Kingdom project don’t give up too easily. Keep doing what God wants you to do! I like the way Rick Warren puts it – “Just because you show courage during
difficulties doesn’t mean you’re not afraid. Courage is not the absence of fear. Courage is moving ahead despite your fear.” Nehemiah took a stand in verse 11 - “Should a man like me run away? Or should one
like me go into the temple to save his life? I will not go!” Nehemiah felt fear. He knew his life was in danger, but Nehemiah
knew he was near the finish line. He
refused to run away. God does not want you to run from the challenge, but
to face the troubles if you know you are pursuing what God wants for your
church, community and family.
SUMMARY - The book of
Nehemiah shows how good leadership resulted in the completion of a project heretofore
thought impossible. With Godly
leadership, the Israelites were able to complete a project in 52 days; a
project that, for 80 years, people said couldn’t be done. Look through history from Nehemiah to the
present and you’ll see these four characteristics prevail in every leader who
reaches God-given goals.
Points
to ponder or RSVP
Everything
rises and falls on these four attributes of a good leader,
so review and ponder these four questions:
1.
Do
you have a compelling purpose that drives you forward?
2.
How’s
your spiritual sensitivity?
3.
Are
you praying constantly for what God has called you to do?
4.
Are
you persistent in doing God’s will?
Chazak
Chazak V’nitzchazek;
Be Strong, Be Strong, Let Us Be
Strengthened
Yosef a.k.a. Joe Brusherd August 4, 2020
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages
exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith”
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)” Weekly “Hebraic Musings”
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