Today’s Reading: Nehemiah 3; Nehemiah 4; Luke 23
Scripture: Nehemiah 4:14 After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, "Don't be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes."
Observation: What a great leader Nehemiah was. He stood up to the enemies who tried every strategy to stop the Jews from rebuilding. He answered their opposition with strong encouragement and personal commitment to the project. And here he gives a stirring speech of encouragement. "Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight...!" he says. He reminds them that they are not in this alone, but that the Lord is with them. And he also reminds them of what they are fighting for: their brothers, sons, daughters, wives, and homes. Following this speech, we see the Israelites increase their efforts to finish the wall -- and their efforts ultimately succeed.
Application: Leadership invests in the success of the task at hand. Nehemiah worked with the people. He tirelessly partnered with them and showed his courage by standing up to their enemies. And he used his voice to speak positive words of truth that stirred the hearts and emotions of the people. This is a great example of inspirational leadership that I can learn from.
Prayer: Lord, help me to be like Nehemiah -- a great leader who never let attacks or difficulties dissuade him from confidence in what he believed You had called him to accomplish. And give me words of encouragement for the people You have called me to lead. May we, in Your strength and power, accomplish all that You have called us to do.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
1 comment:
It is so important that a leader be willing to work with the people he is leading. I've met some who want to give orders to others but never get their hands dirty themselves. One of the things I admire about you is that ou have always been that kind of a leader.
Post a Comment