Nehemiah 1-4I would enjoy having Nehemiah’s capabilities, talents, knowledge and wisdom. Nehemiah was a model of leadership. He was tasked by God to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, which had been destroyed some century and a half before. Guess how he started? Prayer. Last night in class we discussed the characteristics that are inside of us are often a gift from God. We learn that prayer seemed to be a habit for Nehemiah. He knew he had a God-sized task before him and so he turned to, none other than, God. Nehemiah knew how to TALK to God and how to HEAR from God. Pay close attention to his prayer because we will see it again and again. To remember this form, just remember A.C.T.S. He Adores God. He Confesses his sin. He gives Thanks to God. He employs Supplication (lays down the needs). He humbles himself, knowing he is not sufficient and he is persistent!
Nehemiah experienced lots of problems with his own leader, the King. How did he deal with it, and keep the people motivated beneath the oppressive rule? 1) Loyalty. Genuine Loyalty: “May the king live forever!” 2) Tact. 3) Honesty 4) Prayer 5) Planning 6) Dependence upon God. Nehemiah knew how to cast a vision among the people and pull at their heart. He was sincere, however. He knew that if called upon their inner strength, they would be wise to help. If he just used external forces, nothing but rebellion would meet him. Nehemiah related to the people. He took time to be among them. He challenged them, but did not taunt them. He gained their confidence. He kept them informed and incorporated them in to the success. Look at all the people that worked on the project. Everyone!
Even when opposition abounded, Nehemiah was there. He never left the people to fight alone: Nehemiah 4:23 “Neither I nor my brothers nor my men nor the guards with me took off our clothes; each had his weapon, even when he went for water.”
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