Leadership 101: Part 11
“Now the leaders of the people settled in Jerusalem, and the rest of the people cast lots to bring one out of every ten to live in Jerusalem, the holy city, while the remaining nine were to stay in their own towns.” Nehemiah 11:1
Following the Louisiana Purchase, President Thomas Jefferson selected Meriwether Lewis to explore America west of the Mississippi. Planning was a key factor in the success of the Corp of Discovery that Lewis co-led with William Clark.
The team encountered numerous dangerous obstacles during their journey¬ from hostile Indians to grizzly bear attacks. However, through careful pre-planning, they met each challenge head on during their three-year trek. As a result, journey was a great success and opened the door to America for westward expansion.
Context:
Nehemiah faced a problem. The city had few people and needed to be repopulated. The way he viewed and solved this problem reveals key principles.
Leadership Lessons:
A leader walks in front.
- “Now the leaders of the people settled in Jerusalem …”1
- Never ask the people you lead to do more than you’re willing to do.
- Remember the saying, “Speed of the leader, speed of the team.”
A leader views problems as opportunities.
- The problem was simple: there were too few people living in Jerusalem.
- Nehemiah viewed this situation as an opportunity to repopulate the holy city with people who could establish their Jewish ancestry.2
- What “problem” is really an “opportunity” in your life?
A leader relies on God’s guidance.
- “… And the rest of the people cast lots to bring one out of every ten to live in Jerusalem …”3
- During biblical times the casting of lots was used to determine God’s will.
- Today we discover God’s will through prayer, application of biblical commands or principles, receiving counsel from wise believers, and through promptings from the Holy Spirit.
A leader commends exceptional effort.
- “The people commended all the men who volunteered to live in Jerusalem.”4
- Apparently some people moved to Jerusalem as a result or casting the lot, but others volunteered to live in the holy city. The volunteers were commended for their willingness to move to Jerusalem.
A leader creates a strong infrastructure.
- Throughout this chapter Nehemiah mentions various official positions – provincial leaders, chief officers, ruler of the Second District, supervisors, heads and associates. There was a clear organizational chart in the revitalized Jerusalem.
- What is the line of authority in your organization?
Prayer:
“Lord, I ask You to take these 5 principles and make them come alive in my leadership. Help me to grow and mature in this area. Amen.”
Endnotes:
1 Nehemiah 11:1
2 Chapter 7 of Nehemiah
3 Nehemiah 11:1
4 Nehemiah 11:3
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.
