Nehemiah 2:1-20
As we begin Nehemiah 2, Nehemiah is serving before king Artaxerxes. The king notices Nehemiah doesn't seem himself, so he asks what is wrong. Nehemiah seems surprised by the inquiry and we're told that he was afraid (vs. 2). Even so, he tells the king all that is on his heart--very respectfully and with humility. The king then gives Nehemiah leave to return to Jerusalem to rebuild its walls. Now at this point we've already seen some leadership skills from Nehemiah, but once he arrives in Jerusalem, we really see his leadership skills surface. I took a few minutes and wrote down some of the leadership qualities I saw. I came up with 8 or so. One that caught my attention was how he investigated the circumstances before sharing his heart with others and taking action. Another was his positive approach even though the situation was dismal.
So what did you observe from Nehemiah? How can you use Nehemiah's example in your life (as a parent, supervisor, teacher, pastor, husband, _______ you fill in the blank)? Tami W.
I like how God worked out the visit to Jerusalem even though Nehemiah didn't have intentions of asking for a leave of absence at that point. Nehemiah was just being honest in answering the king's questions. So I see confidence and courage there that I like. He also shows emotional maturity. God has recently shown me how my skepticism can affect so much of my thinking. When a problematic situation arises in my life I would normally jump to the worst possible end result and freak out about it. A talent I have well cultivated. However, I have vowed to remove my skeptical spectacles and keep them off. It is not the end of the world when trouble comes, or my feelings get hurt. I like how Nehemiah stays encouraged and hopeful and productive for the Lord.
God is awesome! His word tells us to remain in Him, and He will remain in us. Praise God. :)
Hi Tami,
I think we learn some very important things from Nehemiah. First the concept to investigate before moving. Many times we say to ourselves (and perhaps others) that this must be God's will because it will potentially bring people to Christ. However, we may not be in God's time or it might not be the job for us. Also, Nehemiah seems to be getting His team together. I think it's important for us to bring counselors and develop a team before we move on. Ask that God bring the right people to you to be on your team. That could be another confirmation that you are moving in God's will.
Unlike people who do nothing but complain Nehemiah was usually a positive and joyful person to be around because he was a giver not a taker. So the king noticed when his countenance was obviously fallen. Nehemiah told him about the tragic destruction of his native land. Some people are ready and willing to help others in need. Nehemiah made specific requests and a deadline to finish.This king(and queen)cared about Nehemiah.. He gave his full support to the task at hand for Nehemiah’s people. Giving God all the glory, Nehemiah told the people how the hand of God had been favorable to him and also about the king's full support for the building of Judah. If God is for us who can be against us. Don’t be a complainer... When you really need help trust God and pray, plan and get it done!
Nehemiah was a good ambassador. He kept in touch with the people to find our what was going on. Too often we start something and do not complete it such as visiting or calling up persons, just keeping in touch. Nehemiah had an eye for detail so when he got the OK to leave, he made sure all the loopholes were well plugged. He got the letters of introduction so he could get to Jerusalem safely and to have the material he required to do the job of rebuilding the wall of the city. He is well prepared for any crisis that might come up. He makes sure he keeps God's plans to himself and waited for the right time to share it.
This shows God was with him all the time and even though Sanballat and all the others were laughing and jeering him, he knew that when God is for us no one can be against us. He trusted God and knew God would tak him through it all. That is what I learn from Nehemiah, that whatever we do, do it with a good heart and do it as our Lord requires us to do it. Pay attention to detail. Be there for others and they will be there for us too.
May we also believe and trust God that no matter how difficult or impossible something seems, God will be there for us.
What I took from this passage of scripture is that even though there was opposition to his rebuilding he continued to do the LORD's work. I tend to think if there is opposition it is not God's will. This was a good insite for me and one I am starting to realize in my life. Thank you Jesus.