Key Verse: Nehemiah 13:6
We have seen how deeply the leader Nehemiah impacted the lives of the Israelites and so they were able to finish the works of the wall on time. In Nehemiah 2:6, we see Nehemiah setting a fixed time period with the king Artaxerxes, within which he would complete his mission. This verse is an evidence of Nehemiah’s faithfulness. Faithfulness in words bring honor and acceptance where GOD has placed us.
In Nehemiah 7:5, “So my God put it into my heart to assemble the nobles, the officials and the common people for registration by families. I found the genealogical record of those who had been the first to return.” This is the last time in this book that we see Nehemiah speaking up directly. After this instance, he is not present in the first person in the book of Nehemiah until Nehemiah 12:31, “I had the leaders of Judah go up on top of the wall. I also assigned two large choirs to give thanks. One was to proceed on top of the wall to the right, toward the Dung Gate.”
Nehemiah was absent for about 10 to 12 years from Jerusalem. This shows the amazing character of Nehemiah, he went to his previous call/duty once he had accomplished the task in Jerusalem. Many of the leaders in this era are not willing to step back from their task after they have done their part. They wish to get higher positions and possess greater authority. With humility one can take this courageous decision – to step back.
Even though Nehemiah was not Jerusalem, his impact was seen all through the working of the city. And he can be happy that everything was going according to the guidance of the LORD even when he was absent in Jerusalem for a season. As a good leader, we have to impart things that can bring a lifelong impact in the lives of people. If things are not going smoothly after we leave a position set by GOD, we are not good in bringing up leaders as well. Nehemiah was a good leader and he could train and bring up, many leaders as well. Our life is an open book that many read from. Our lives must be transparent so that people will be impacted and inspired through us for the glory of the LORD.
The world is keenly observing our words and our lives. We need to be humble in our words and have to be cautious that our lives and our words are in perfect synchrony.
Practical Living: As a leader, be a person who keeps his/her promises. Make promises to people only after seeking guidance from GOD. Stay faithful to GOD and man. Two questions to reflect:
- Will I be able to step down from a higher position when GOD asks me to?
- Will I be able to empty my life so that I can bring glory to the LORD?
Let our answer be a big yes before GOD.
