S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

Ezra and Nehemiah were contemporaries, and they both wrote about the rebuilding of Jerusalem, which occurred many years after its destruction by the Babylonians, led by Nebuchadnezzar. Ezra wrote a...

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July 01 2013 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

Akinrelere Sunday Supporter

Lessons to Learn from the Leadership Style of Nehemiah as a Man with a Large Heart:

Nehemiah was known to be the cupbearer of a king in the citadel of Susa. Cupbearers are officers of high rank who serve the wine at the king’s table. This office was a lucrative one and attracted honour. The Cupbearer is required to taste the king’s drink before serving the king in order to protect him from poisoning. For someone to occupy this position, he must be trustworthy. The king would as well cater for him because he knows his ‘life’ is in his hands.

While Nehemiah was probably enjoying the ‘Air Conditioner’ inside the king’s palace and the king’s delicacies as the king’s Cupbearer, one of his brothers with some other men from Judah came to him. As a good leader, his position didn’t make him forget the Jewish remnant that survived the exile and Jerusalem, the holy city. He was always having them in mind which was evident in the questions he asked his visitors (Nehemiah 1:1-2), though his immediate environment could have made him comfortable and forget about his people. Leaders with a large heart like Nehemiah are always concerned about their people. Suffice to say that they are not sympathizers but empathizers.

For a great leader, especially one with a large heart, distance is never a barrier to keep in touch with his people.

These people brought a bad report to Nehemiah; the people he was concerned for were in great trouble and disgrace. Worst still, the wall of Jerusalem, his home, was broken down and its gates had been burnt with fire: “…When I (Nehemiah) heard these things I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven” (verse 3-4). 

It should be noted that any leader can feel sorry about an unpleasant situation that is facing his people, but leaders with a large heart will put themselves in the position of those facing the challenges. They understand the people’s feelings and will do everything in their capacity to help the people out of that mess.

Nehemiah wept as if he was the one facing trouble and disgrace. Ordinarily, he could just say, “All is well” and offer some money to be given to the Jewish remnants and for the rebuilding of the wall while he continues his enjoyment in the citadel of Susa, but his large heart wouldn’t permit him to do that. He wore a sad look which caught the attention of the king as he presented the case before him (Nehemiah 2:3). 

He would not request the king to send a messenger to his people, but he sought for permission to go by himself. Not only that, he demanded for letters to be sent to people in authority and all these was granted.

Nehemiah was able to influence the king and also influenced his people to rebuild the wall. Great leaders discover a problem and find solution to the problem. He used his position to bring about a lasting solution to the problems of his people. Only leaders with a large heart will say like Joseph, “But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance” (Genesis 45:7). This was the mindset of Nehemiah.

Enemies of progress came around to mock and ridicule the builders of the wall, but Nehemiah would not be discouraged. Leaders with a large heart receive several discouragements from people. Sometimes, people will mock and ridicule you when you embark on a big project as a leader, the only thing that will keep you moving is a large heart. When enemies of progress or vision killers buffet, the leader with a large heart ignores them. By so doing, they have been defeated already!

April 04 2020 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

James Wardle Supporter

From what I could understand of this man - do not let enemies of God damage your resolve. I believe he was full of godly fear and this made him meticulous in his execution of duties given to him by God. Faith is key, but fear ensures the job gets done correctly.

January 13 2017 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

What should we learn from the life of Nehemiah?

Nehemiah was one of the leaders among those returning from the Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel.​—Ezr 2:1, 2; Ne 7:7.

Nehemiah stands out as a sterling example of faithfulness and devotion. He was unselfish, leaving behind a prominent position as cupbearer in the courtyard of Artaxerxes to undertake the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. As there were many enemies, Nehemiah willingly exposed himself to danger on behalf of his people and true worship. Not only did he direct the work of repairing the wall of Jerusalem, but he also had an active, personal share in the task. He wasted no time and was courageous.

Nehemiah was zealous for true worship. Nehemiah knew God's law and applied it. He was concerned about building up the faith of his fellow Israelites. He showed himself to be a man who manifested a proper fear of God. Though he zealously enforced God's law, he did not domineer over others for selfish gain but showed concern for the oppressed. Never did he demand the bread from the governor. Instead, he provided food for a considerable number of persons at his own expense. (Ne 5:14-19) Appropriately, Nehemiah could pray: "Do remember me, O my God, for good."​—Ne 13:31.

Conclusion

Lessons for us today:

Nehemiah's godly devotion should be an inspiration to all lovers of right worship.

Nehemiah was a splendid example to us in being entirely unselfish and discreet, a man of action, fearless for righteousness in the face of danger. (4:14, 19, 20; 6:3, 15)

He had the proper fear of God and was interested in building up his fellow servants in the faith. (13:14; 8:9)

Nehemiah's complete reliance on God and his humble petitions should encourage us to develop a like attitude of prayerful dependence on God. Note how his prayers glorified God, showed recognition of the sins of his people, and petitioned that God's name be sanctified. (1:4-11; 4:14; 6:14; 13:14, 29, 31)

Nehemiah was a source of strength among God's people, as shown by their readiness to follow his wise direction and the joy they found in doing God's will alongside him.

Nehemiah contributed more than his time and organisational skills. He also used his material means to support true worship. He used his own money to buy back his Jewish brothers from slavery. He lent money without interest. He never "made it heavy" upon the Jews by demanding an allowance as governor, something to which he was entitled.

Each day, he provided "one bull, six select sheep, and a bird" for his guests. In addition, once every ten days, he offered them "every sort of wine in abundance"​—all at his own expense.​—Nehemiah 5:8, 10, 14-18.

In addition, once every ten days, he offered them "every sort of wine in abundance"​—all at his own expense.​—Nehemiah 5:8, 10, 14-18.

As Christians, we are moved to echo the words of Nehemiah, who thankfully said: "And I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me,​—Nehemiah 2:18.

Like Nehemiah, we too can echo these words at Nehemiah 2:18: "Let us rise and build. So they strengthened their hands for the good work".

11 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report