Nehemiah

August 13

Nehemiah 5:14-19, 6:15-16

Leading by example

King Artaxerxes made Nehemiah governor of Judah, and as governor, Nehemiah and his relatives were allowed to ask the people of the land for food and money.

However, Nehemiah did not take money from the people or ask them for help because they were struggling to survive on the little they had. Instead, Nehemiah worked on the wall like everyone else, and he even provided food for a hundred and fifty people and their leaders every day.

In just over fifty days, the wall was finished, and Nehemiah’s enemies realized that the work of rebuilding the wall had been done with the help of the Lord.

Why should a leader be like a servant?

Have you ever played follow the leader? What is everyone supposed to do? The followers watch the leader and do everything the leader does—because that is what followers do.

In real life, being a leader means setting a good example because people watch their leaders and follow what they do.

Nehemiah knew the importance of being a good leader, so he didn’t demand food and money from the people. He knew that the other leaders who respected him would soon be doing the same. Taking food and money from people who were struggling was not right. Nehemiah had come to Jerusalem to help them, not to have an easy life or boss everyone around.

Jesus had the same attitude. He—the King of kings—humbled Himself and willingly became a servant so that He could come and live among us and rebuild ruined lives (Philippians 2:5–8).

Verse for today

But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. Luke 22:26