What would Nehemiah teach us about Leadership if we could share coffee with him this morning? With his God given skills, Nehemiah led the most impressive construction, cultural and life changing project.
Nehemiah, was a servant, “I was cupbearer to the king”. (Nehemiah 1:11 NIV) He listened and was so overwhelmed by his family’s predicament that he cried, fasted and prayed. God’s overwhelming Vision was to bring revival to his people through a Mission to teach and mobilize his people while building the wall. He achieved support from King Artaxerxes and committed himself totally to the cause.
Returning to his home country, he experienced the ruined walls and a culture of mediocrity. He worked and motivated his people to rebuild the walls in 52 days. As a Servant Leader, he led his people by working alongside them, sharing the load. He communicated through his words and behavior encouraging the people to commit to the Vision and lead the effort to rebuild the wall. As a stimulus for personal involvement, he located workers near their homes. The completion of the wall was so significant the surrounding nations knew it was a God thing.
At the conclusion of the work, the people celebrated, “the entire congregation that had come back from exile made booths and lived in them … a terrific day! Great Joy! Ezra read from the Book of Revelation of God each day, from the first to the last day – they celebrated the feast for seven days”. (Nehemiah 8:16-18 MSG)
The Christian Servant Leader carries an awesome responsibility to be truthful and honest “Everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded”. (Luke 12:48 NIV) Nehemiah confirmed, “We are making a binding agreement, putting it in writing, and our leaders…are affixing their seals to it”. (Nehemiah 9:38 NIV) Paul encouraged, “whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus”. (Colossians 3:17 NIV)
Leadership is … praying, serving with courage, making tough decisions, standing for what is right, with faith, vision, courage and action.
Yours in Service,
Laurie D. Kennedy
Leadership Coach
Jethro Group
ldkjethrogroup@gmail.com