Written
by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha
Nehemiah;
Strategist and Builder
He provided leadership and
direction. He provided selfless leadership, not leadership for personal gain.
God instructed Nehemiah to rebuild
the broken down walls of Jerusalem after a period of waiting in God in prayers
and fasting. Having received uncommon divine favor from God to access the
required resources for the tasks ahead, Nehemiah went to Jerusalem; probably
accompanied by some Jews and friends.
Quite significant and instructive is
the fact that he did not share what God instructed him to do at Jerusalem with
anyone immediately. They had been there three days, yet he kept mum. Even when
he embarked on the surveillance mission at night to inspect the walls, he was taciturn.
Not a word to anyone, not even the priests, nobles, local officials or anyone
else he would partner and work with.
Also significant is the fact that he
embarked on the mission at night – so as not to call attention to what he was
doing – inspecting the wall to ascertain extent of damage. That way, no one
knew what he was doing or what he was up to. It was only after he had a clear
idea of the extent of damage and the volume of work required for damage
reversal that he called a meeting of potential stakeholders and told them why
he was in Jerusalem; albeit what had to be done and the favor and support he
had received from the King.
The potential stakeholders were
impressed and gave him their full support. That commenced the rebuilding of the
broken down walls of Jerusalem albeit amidst fierce opposition by those who
hated the Jews – led by Sanballat, Tobiah and Geshem. Nevertheless the walls of
Jerusalem were rebuilt because Nehemiah provided leadership, drawn from God
through his fervent relationship with God.
Secondly, the people had a mind to
work because God made them willing – Psalm 110 – your people shall be willing
in the day of your power. God energized and strengthened them to work.
Leadership is not competition; it is
not rivalry; it is giving divine direction to the people of God so that the
people who know their God can do exploits at all times. Most times, people
assume that leadership is lording it over people but the truth is that
leadership is to provide direction. Jesus Christ gave the perfect example when
He said that leadership is service - service to humanity – teach the people
what to do; direct them on where to go; instruct them on how to do things and
give them the space they require to do what they have to do with zero to
minimum supervision. Leadership is not a show off of power, money and
influence. It embodies humility and a willingness to teach and correct in love.
What was it about Nehemiah that made
the people obey him at all times, even at supposedly great risks to their
lives?
Nehemiah was moved by God interest
and national interest. He therefore spoke only as God would have him speak; no
additions, no subtractions – rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and not his
personal property. He was also transparent and honest – he channeled all the
resources accessed through the King into the rebuilding of the walls. Nothing
was diverted into his personal property.
Secondly, Nehemiah feared God greatly
and refused to support anything that was not of God. That explains why he
appealed to the nobles and officials to return the farm lands, vineyards, olive
groves and homes of the poor who owed them money. The officials obeyed and
returned the mortgaged properties to the poor so that the poor could have
unfettered access to productive resources in order to participate in economic
activities.
It is quite significant to note that
Nehemiah did this for the people; not because he needed their support for any
political or religious position or appointment; but because it was the right
thing to do.
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