Leadership 101: Part 12

“And on that day they offered great sacrifices, rejoicing because God had given them great joy.  The women and children also rejoiced.  The sound of rejoicing in Jerusalem could be heard far away.”  Nehemiah 12:43

I am a life-long, diehard fan of the Chicago Cubs baseball team. It’s not easy. The Cubs haven’t won the World Series since 1908 – over 100 years ago. Hey … everyone can have a bad century or two!

Someday … someday … the Cubs will win the World Series. I just hope it happens in my lifetime. Imagine what it will be like when it happens. Chicago will celebrate like no other city has ever celebrated their team’s victory. In fact, I think the whole nation will celebrate it, too. An advertiser captured this moment in one of their commercials. Take a look.

Context:
The people of Jerusalem experienced a similar celebration as Nehemiah led a public ceremony to rededicate the wall of Jerusalem.  The people worshiped God with great joy.

Leadership Lessons:

A leader preserves history and heritage.

• The early portion of this chapter records the names of religious leaders since the time of Joshua. This included priests and Levites who returned from captivity, the high priests, the heads of priestly families, and the gatekeepers.
• An organization thrives when it keeps alive its history and heritage. This legacy forms the foundation of the organization’s vision and values.

A leader commemorates milestones.

• A public ceremony was held to rededicate the wall of Jerusalem.
• Nehemiah planned, organized and orchestrated this event.
• An organization thrives when important anniversaries and accomplishments are celebrated in community. These moments reinforce the organization’s purpose and strengthen the member’s level of commitment.

A leader shares the spotlight.

• Nehemiah put all of the key stakeholder groups on top of the wall as participants in the celebration.
• The groups represented were the leaders, priests with trumpets, and Levites with stringed instruments, and two large choirs.
• Ezra led one group; Nehemiah led the other.
• An organization thrives when the leader gives public recognition to others.

A leader points people to God.

• The entourage formed two groups that walked in opposite directions on top of the wall, and then met at the temple.
• They went inside and offered sacrifices and praises to God.
• An organization thrives when the leader focuses everyone on Jesus Christ.

A leader upholds rites and rituals.

• Nehemiah reinstated the offering of contributions, firstfruits and tithes.
• He restored the positions of gatekeeper and singers as in the days of David.
• An organization thrives when the leader maintains customs and traditions.

Prayer:
“Lord, There’s so much to know about leadership. I know that unless You’re in charge of my life, I will never be as effective as I can be. Take control. Amen.”

© 2013 Steven A. Lake