Leadership 101: Part 9
“In view of all of this, we are making a binding agreement, putting it in writing, and our leaders, our Levites and our priests are affixing their seals to it.” Nehemiah 9:38
After my wife died I held my own personal pity party each day for about a year. I constantly complained about the unfairness of it all. “Oh, woe is me. How could God do this to me?”
One day a friend sat me down and said, “Steve, I’m tired of you mumbling and grumbling about how terrible life is. So I’m going to ask you 4 questions: Is there a God … or not? Does He love you … or not? Does He have a plan for your life … or not? Will you trust Him … or not? It’s your choice.” Ouch! Her words convicted me of my sin and I asked God to forgive me for my sin.
Context:
The Israelites gathered together for confession of sins and commitment to obey God’s Word. Nehemiah is not mentioned in this chapter.
Leadership Lessons:
A leader promotes sincere confession.
- The Israelites fasted wearing sackcloth with dust on their heads. These are Jewish symbols of deep mourning.
- For 3 hours the Word was read, and 3 hours more in confession and worship.
A leader knows both God and people.
- Ezra praised God for being …
| – Abounding in love | – Forgiving | – Merciful |
| – Compassionate | – Gracious | – Righteous |
| – Faithful | – Just | – Slow to anger |
- Ezra acknowledged that people are …
| – Arrogant | – Disobedient | – Poor at remembering |
| – Blasphemous | – Murderous | – Rebellious |
| – Deceptive | – Poor at listening | – Stiff-necked |
A leader sees the big picture.
- Ezra outlined the major events of Israel’s history.
| – Backsliding in the Promised Land | – Covenant with Abraham |
| – Captivity in Assyria and Babylon | – Exodus from Egypt |
| – Conquest of Canaan | – Wandering in the desert |
A leader sees the present situation.
- Ezra summarized their current reality:
– The people were slaves.
– The harvest went to the conquerors.
– The enemy ruled over everything
– “We are in great distress.”1
A leader cultivates increased commitment.
- The people separated themselves from all foreigners.
- The leaders, Levites and priests signed a written, binding agreement to obey God.
Prayer:
“Lord, I love Your Word. I love how You make things so clear and meaningful. Help me be the kind of leader that is revealed in the Book of Nehemiah. Amen.”
Endnotes:
1 Nehemiah 9: 37c
© 2013 Designed to Serve®
Dr. Steve Lake is a retired educator with over 30 years experience in the American public schools. He has served in a variety of position, including teacher, elementary school principal, junior high principal, Associate Superintendent, retired from public education as Superintendent of Schools in Lincolnwood, IL. He has his Bachelors, Masters and Doctor of Education degrees from Northern Illinois University. For the past 25 years Steve has attended and been a member of Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington and Northfield, IL. At Willow Creek Steve has taught adult classes on spiritual gifts, life purpose, and spiritual disciplines. He has ministered overseas in Angola, Zambia, Honduras, Germany, and Russia. Steve is co-founder of Designed to Serve, a ministry that equips Christians to live out their unique God-given calling. Steve is married and has two adult children who are married.
