Principles of Leadership from Nehemiah Learning to be Leaders Principles of Leadership from Nehemiah

Why a “Leadership” Lesson? “Leadership is just for men, or for Elders.” This is not true! Acts 17:4; 1Tim.2:15; 2Tim.2:2 In fact, for the Christian- male or female, young, old, or in-between, “leadership” should be a part of our mindset and activity always. We teach and lead by example all the time- either positively or negatively. Disclaimer: This is not a lesson brought from my personal experience, expertise, or wisdom in leadership- inspiration is a far better teacher! So, we will look at a biblical example of superior leadership in the case of Nehemiah.

So who is “Nehemiah”? The Babylonians conquered, and took away captive, the remaining two tribes of Judah (the northern ten had been taken by the Assyrians in 722 B.C.) in three separate deportations between 605 and 586 B.C. But Babylon’s rule was short-lived as Cyrus, king of Persia, conquered them in 539 B.C. Cyrus liberated many captives and let them return to their homelands. 50,000 Jews returned to Jerusalem under Zerubbabel. They laid the foundation for, and eventually completed the Temple in 515 B.C.

So who is “Nehemiah”? After Cyrus died in 530 B.C., Xerxes, or Ahaseurus, became king. Esther eventually became his wife. After Xerxes, Artaxerxes his son became king and was able to combine the Medes and Persians into one empire. Nehemiah was the cup-bearer to Artaxerxes. As such, he was responsible for the preparation and safety of everything the king drank. It was a very responsible position. Nehemiah, as many cup-bearers did, became a trusted friend and advisor to the king despite being an inherited Jewish captive. This brief history sets the stage for our story.

The Problem: Nehemiah received a report about his brethren back in Jerusalem. Although the Temple had been rebuilt, the city’s protective wall had not, and the people seemed to be in disarray. Neh.1:2-3. They needed leadership- they needed Nehemiah! Thus begins the lesson of leadership: Nehemiah’s love of God and country is evident, 1:4-11. Nehemiah makes his petition to the king, 2:1-8.

Lessons to be Learned from Nehemiah regarding Leadership: Before Nehemiah did anything, he prayed to God, 1:6ff. When facing any problem or crisis, this is what real leaders do- stop and pray. Next, rather than complaining and moaning to the king, Nehemiah went to him with a detailed plan of action, 2:4-8. cf. Phil.2:12-14. Complaints and criticisms without proposed solutions don’t get you very far, but notice what Nehemiah got with them! Know when to speak, and when to keep quiet, cp.2:3-8 with 2:9-12. Be sure you have first-hand knowledge of the situation before you act, cp. 1:2-3 > 2:13-16.

Lessons to be Learned from Nehemiah regarding Leadership: Then, employ and inspire the necessary assistance with the knowledge you’ve gained through God’s help and your preparation, 2:17-18. Stay focused on the goal, 2:19-20. Delegate the work appropriately, provide the tools and authority needed, and get out of the way! 3:1-32 Stay in contact with God when problems arise to avoid discouragement, 4:1-6. Always remember what’s at stake, and who’s on your side! 4:7-14 > Phil.2:12-13 Be ready to fight and defend if necessary, but build in the mean time! 4:15-23.

Lessons to be Learned from Nehemiah regarding Leadership: Though there are other key points and lessons that could be gleaned from the example of Nehemiah’s leadership, perhaps these will suffice to lay a foundation for each of us to become “leaders” in the areas laid out for us by God. 1Cor.12:12ff; Eph.4:11ff And then too, it is hoped that these basic points will spur each of us on to further investigation and learning from this great leader of Judah.