Nehemiah: Leading God’s Way July 10th, 2011 1

Introduction (1) Choose one statement that you most agree with: (a) leadership is for those in positions of authority (b) Every Christian is called to be a leader (c) only the spiritually mature should lead (d) leadership ability is a gift – you either have it or you don’t

Introduction (2) Q: where have you been called to be a leader? As followers of Jesus Christ, we are all called to be leaders in some aspect: In the home Among classmates/friends In the workplace In the community In ministry

How does the secular world understand leadership? Wikipedia definition: “the process of social influence in which one person can enlist the aid and support of others in accomplishment of a common task.”

Noel Tichy & Stratford Sherman Secular Leadership Books.. Title Author Quotes about the book… On Becoming a Leader Warren Bennis “His message is: you can't be a leader until you know who you are. It's that simple. Once you know, you have amazing ability to lead successfully." The Leadership Moment Michael Useem "It's a book you read for the stories, not because you're looking for a solution… when you reach a crisis situation -- which so many people are right now -- you can call on them." Control Your Destiny or Someone Else Will Noel Tichy & Stratford Sherman About Jack Welch's leadership at GE -- "the great corporate turn-around story of the 20th century… GE at the time was running ‘an acceptably profitable business,’ and yet still Welch was able to implement major changes. "It's like Tiger Woods changing up his golf swing at the top of his game.”

What Does the Bible Say? Let’s look at the example of Nehemiah Jewish leader during return after Babylonian exile Circa 5th century B.C. Cupbearer to Persian King Artaxerxes I  official in the royal court in capital of Susa (modern-day Iran), had special access to the king Historical context:

Nehemiah 1:1-3 (NIV) The words of Nehemiah, son of Hacaliah: In the month of Kislev, in the twentieth year, while I was in the citadel of Susa, Hanani, one of my brothers, came from Judah with some other men, and questioned them about the Jewish remnant that survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem. They said to me, ‘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.

Leadership Qualities of Nehemiah A man of action, prayerfully dependent on God A leader confident in God’s grace and power because he was aligned to God’s heart and purpose A servant leader who walked the talk

Nehemiah 1:4 (NIV) When I heard these things* I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. *referring to the state of Jerusalem’s walls and the Jewish remnant there

Leadership Qualities of Nehemiah A man of action, prayerfully dependent on God A leader confident in God’s grace and power because he was aligned to God’s heart and purpose A servant leader who walked the talk

Challenges faced by Nehemiah had to convince the king to let him leave the royal court and go to Jerusalem had to get the king’s approval to provide him with military support and building materials for the walls had to unify a rag-tag, diverse group of Jews to work together to rebuild wall. had to lead all of this construction effort while under constant threat of attack And because the gracious hand of my God was upon me, the king granted my requests… (Nehemiah 2:8, NIV)

Nehemiah 2:17-18 (NIV) Then I said to them: “You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace. I also told them about the gracious hand of my God upon me and what the king had said to me. They replied, ‘Let us start rebuilding,’ So they began this good work.

Nehemiah 2:19-20 (NIV) But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobias the Ammonite official and Geshem the Arab heard about it, they mocked and ridiculed us. ‘What is this you are doing?’ they asked. ‘Are you rebelling against the king?’ I answered them by saying, ‘The God of heaven will give us success. We his servants will start rebuilding, but as for you, you have no share in Jerusalem or any claim or historic right to it.’”

Aligning to God’s Heart & Purposes Sphere “Broken Wall” Scripture Home/ Family Lack of Christ-likeness in marriage/family Ephesians 5:21ff Workplace/Marketplace Idolatry of work or laziness/poor work ethic Colossians 3:23 School/ Education Learning not organized around Christ/gospel Romans 12:2, Matthew 22:37 Community/Society Oppression of the poor and powerless James 1:27 Church/ Ministry Sinners in need of salvation & sanctification Matthew 28:19-20

Leadership Qualities of Nehemiah A man of action, prayerfully dependent on God A leader confident in God’s grace and power because he was aligned to God’s heart and purpose A servant leader who walked the talk

Nehemiah’s Servant Leadership Like Jesus or Paul… to serve not to be served. Serving right alongside the workers & soldiers Enforcing justice and fair treatment for the poor Not “lording it over” the Jewish remnant

Summary and Conclusion As a leader & role-model for us, Nehemiah was: A man of action, prayerfully dependent on God A leader aligned to God’s heart and purpose A servant leader who walked the talk Nevertheless, he ultimately failed to bring about lasting reform. Real, lasting change can only come through Jesus Christ and the work of the Spirit.